Challenges Remain on Proposed Wireless 911 Calling Requirement, Apple Says

Apple representatives met with FCC staff, at their request, on a proposed requirement carriers identify the vertical axis of wireless 911 calls. An order is set for a vote at the Nov. 19 commissioners’ meeting (see 1910290054). Apple “has and will continue to invest and innovate in technologies and approaches that provide our customers with devices that offer reliable and granular location accuracy, and reliable battery performance in the emergency situations,” said a filing posted Wednesday in docket 07-114. Emergency calling location capabilities “originated with permanently fixed landline telephones whose locations could be accurately conveyed” but wireless calls are “inherently probabilistic and can accurately be represented only with clear and non-zero uncertainties,” Apple said: Requirements “must reflect this fundamental distinction.” Apple said “vertical location capabilities must be implemented at large scale and under real-world operational constraints without negatively impacting the user.” Apple lawyers met FCC Chief Technology Officer Eric Burger and Public Safety Bureau staff.