*Pages 1--2 from Microsoft Word - 35688* NEWS Federal Communications Commission 445 12 th Street, S. W. Washington, D. C. 20554 This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D. C. Circ 1974). News Media Information 202 / 418- 0500 Internet: http:// www. fcc. gov TTY: 1- 888- 835- 5322 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEWS MEDIA CONTACTS: February 12, 2004 Meribeth McCarrick at (202) 418- 0654 Michael Balmoris at (202) 418- 0253 Lauren Patrich at (202) 418- 7944 FCC INTERNET POLICY WORKING GROUP TO HOLD FIRST “SOLUTIONS SUMMIT” ON THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2004 Meeting Will Focus on 911/ E911 Issues Associated With Internet- based Communications Services Washington, D. C. – On Thursday, March 18, 2004, the FCC’s Internet Policy Working Group (IPWG) will hold the first in a series of a “Solutions Summits” at which leaders in government and industry can discuss creative ways to address policy issues that arise as communications services move to Internet- based platforms. The initial meeting will focus on 911/ E911 issues, and on the particular challenges and opportunities created for emergency services in expanding 911/ E911 access to VoIP users and increasing the use of IP technologies in emergency services networks. Participants will include members of the public safety community, industry representatives, and FCC staff. The event, which is open to the public, will be held at FCC headquarters, 445 12 th Street, SW, Washington, D. C. starting at 2: 00 pm and ending at 5: 00 pm. Further details regarding this event will be announced in the near future. The IPWG will also be announcing details of Solutions Summits to be held on other topics, such as CALEA and access for persons with disabilities. Background on FCC Internet Policy Working Group: The FCC Internet Policy Working Group was created by Chairman Michael K. Powell to assist the Commission in identifying, evaluating and addressing policy issues that will arise as telecommunications services move to Internet- based platforms. The cross- bureau and multi-disciplinary working group is directed by a steering committee comprised of senior management and staff from several Commission Bureaus and Offices, and is staffed as needed by attorneys, engineers and economists from across the Commission. This Working Group also interacts with key constituencies including state regulators, consumer groups and public safety organizations. For additional information on the Working Group, please visit the Internet Policy Working Group website at: www. fcc. gov/ ipwg. For questions about the working group contact: Robert Pepper, Chief of Policy Development, at (202) 418- 2030, Robert. Pepper@ fcc. gov, or Jeff Carlisle, Senior Deputy Chief, Wireline Competition Bureau, at (202) 418- 1500, Jeffrey. Carlisle@ fcc. gov. 1 2 - FCC - 2