APCO Opposes VoIP Legislation

The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International recently released a position statement on the "IP-Enabled Voice Communications and Public Safety Act of 2005 (S 1063)," which was passed by the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee on November 2, stating its opposition to portions of the bill that would require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to waive rules contained in its recent Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) order.

"We believe that the FCC's ability to enforce existing rules is in the best interest of the public's safety," the statement from APCO International said.

Specifically, APCO International is concerned that a section of the bill would prevent the FCC from enforcing rules that require 9-1-1 and enhanced 9-1-1 (E9-1-1) capabilities for all new VoIP customers. It is APCO International's position that VoIP providers should not be able to offer services to new customers in geographic areas where the provider is not able to comply with the FCC's 9-1-1 and E9-1-1 requirements contained in the FCC's order.

APCO Position Statement (PDF)