Almost a year ago we reported on the adoption of a number of rules designed to improve performance of the 911 system in the aftermath of the 2012 “derecho” storm. Most of the new rules had taken effect by February of this year, but a couple lingered on in limbo, awaiting OMB approval. All but one of those stragglers made it through the Paperwork Reduction Act process last month, leaving only Section 4.9(h) on the outside looking in. (For those who may have lost track over the last year or so, Section 4.9(h) requires “Covered 911 Service Providers” to notify Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) and other “911 special facilities” of major disruptions in 911 service within time limits established by the Commission.)
The wait is over! According to a notice in the Federal Register, OMB has signed off on Section 4.9(h), so it has become effective as of November 4, 2014.