Last month we reported that most of the rules adopted back in August to make text-to-911 service generally available took effect in October. As often happens, though, a small number of the new rules couldn’t kick in until the Office of Management and Budget gave them the go-ahead. That’s because those particular sections – Sections 47 CFR 20.18(n)(10)(i) and (ii), (n)(10)(iii)(C), and (n)(11) – are “information collections”.
Under the new rules, Public Safety Access Points (PSAPs) may voluntarily register when they are technically ready to receive text messages to 911. As PSAPs become text-ready, they may either register in the PSAP database (or, if the database is not yet available, submit a notification to PS Docket Nos. 10–255 and 11–153) or provide other written notification reasonably acceptable to a covered text messaging provider. To implement these requirements, the Commission seeks to collect information primarily for that database. Either approach will do the trick. (PSAPs and covered text providers may also mutually agree to an alternative implementation timeframe (other than six months). Covered text providers must notify the FCC of the dates and terms of the alternate timeframe that they have mutually agreed on with PSAPs within 30 days of the parties’ agreement.)
Additionally, some third-party notifications – to consumers, covered text providers, and the Commission – will need to be effective in order to implement text-to-911. The new rules provide for the collection of information about such notifications, which are essential to ensure that all affected parties are aware of the limitations, capabilities, and status of text-to-911 services.
According to a notice in the Federal Register, all these information collection rules have become effective as of November 14, 2014.