Press Release
For immediate release
April 29, 2003
State Treasurer Tim Berry Participates in FCC E911 Coordination Initiative
Remarks Highlight Indiana's Wireless E911 Implementation Success
Washington - State Treasurer Tim Berry, in his role as chairman of the Indiana Wireless E911 Advisory Board (Board), took part in the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Enhanced 911 (E911) Coordination Initiative. This initiative was launched to bring together relevant stakeholders to share experiences and devise strategies for expanding E911 deployment.
"Wireless E911 deployment is an urgent priority deserving of the ever-increasing attention of the Commission and Congress," said FCC Chairman Michael K. Powell.
The FCC meeting brings continued attention to E911 and addresses ongoing implementation issues such as Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) funding, wireless carrier implementation and prioritization, issues relating to Local Exchange Carriers (LECs), and challenges faced by rural carriers.
In his presentation before the FCC, Treasurer Berry outlined the critical elements that have helped make Indiana a national leader in wireless E911 availability and highlighted his goal to ensure that every person who relies on a wireless phone, or purchases wireless service for children, aging parents, or loved ones has the peace of mind to know that, in an emergency, 911 first responders know their location and are sending help right away."
He noted that in Indiana every county that is capable of accepting wireless E911 calls is doing so. 90 of 92 counties are accepting Phase I calls from at least one wireless carrier and the vast majority from two or more. 60 counties are accepting Phase II calls from at least one wireless carrier.
In April of 1998 Indiana's Allen and Stueben Counties became the nation's first counties to accept Phase I calls. Lake County became the second in the nation to accept Phase II calls in November 2001. Since then, Indiana has continued to be a national leader in implementing wireless E911 technology.
Among other critical elements, Berry cited the launch of a consumer awareness campaign and his position as the only state elected official in the country to be directly in charge of wireless E911 implementation.
"A state elected official typically has a forum to discuss issues important to a state's residents. I have been able to bring quick and continuing awareness to wireless E911, our successes and the challenges that lie ahead," noted Berry.
For the second consecutive year, "the Board has partnered with the American Heart Association in a media campaign designed to raise consumer awareness of wireless E911." The campaign features radio spots explaining wireless E911 and urging consumers to visit http://www.911coverage.org/ for more information on their wireless coverage.
Treasurer Berry continues to play a very active role with the wireless E911 community on both a federal and statewide level. Berry is an active member of the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) and serves as a member of NENA's Strategic Wireless Action Team (SWAT).
"Millions of consumers purchase wireless phones for themselves with the expectation of safety and security. Unfortunately, some consumers don't find out about the limitation of their wireless phone until the worst possible time, in an emergency. We must do better than this," argues Berry.
"The FCC E911 Coordination Initiative is another positive step to ensure that wireless E911 technology is available as quickly as possible," said Berry.
