Alexandria, Va. – On Wednesday, October 17, 2012, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) adopted a rule to protect emergency service providers from unwanted robocalls by approving an order that will create a Do-Not-Call Registry for 9-1-1 call centers across the U.S.

It has been estimated that hundreds or even thousands of unwanted robocalls are made to public safety answering points (PSAPs) each day, tying up public safety phone lines and diverting critical first responder resources away from the provision of emergency services. This action will protect PSAPs from unwanted robocalls that can clog phone lines and prevent emergency calls from being answered in a timely fashion.

The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International applauds the FCC for moving forward on the PSAP Do-Not-Call-Registry required by Congress.

“It is important to prevent robocalls from overloading PSAPs and potentially blocking emergency calls to 9-1-1.  APCO looks forward to working with the FCC to help educate PSAPs regarding the registry once it becomes operational,” said APCO President Terry Hall.