Alexandria, Va. — The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) international today commended the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for their new location accuracy rules for enhanced 9-1-1 (E9-1-1) announced last week.  Specifically, the FCC’s decision requires wireless carriers to comply with location accuracy rules at the county level.

“The FCC’s order will lead to far more accurate information regarding the location of emergencies, thus speeding the deployment of first responders and saving lives,” APCO International President William Carrow said.

Reports show that the majority of 9-1-1 calls today are from wireless phones.  While public safety answering points (PSAPs) receive information from carriers regarding the location of those callers, the accuracy of that information in insufficient in many cases to pinpoint the emergency, which slows emergency response times.

“APCO International is pleased that the FCC’s decision reflects the agreements that we reached with the major carriers regarding location accuracy information,” Carrow said.  “APCO International is also encouraged by the additional 9-1-1-related proceeding that will initiate discussions of how 9-1-1 location accuracy can be further improved in the future, and how 9-1-1 will be implemented by new voice communications services.”

About APCO International
APCO International is the world’s largest organization of public safety communications professionals. It serves the needs of public safety communications practitioners worldwide — and the welfare of the general public as a whole—by providing complete expertise, professional development, technical assistance, advocacy and outreach. For more information, visit www.apcointl.org.