STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER DEBORAH TAYLOR TATE Re: Wireless E911 Location Accuracy Requirements, PS Docket No. 07-114; Revision of the Commission’s Rules to Ensure Compatibility with Enhanced 911 Emergency Calling Systems, CC Docket No. 94-102; Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International, Inc., Request for Declaratory Ruling, 911 Requirements for IP-Enabled Service Providers, WC Docket No. 05-196 and Report and Order (FCC 07-166) On this sobering day for our nation, the sixth anniversary of 9/11, we take steps to improve the safety and security of all Americans by strengthening the requirements related to emergency services whenever a consumer calls 911. This identical set of numbers ironically means so much to the provision of public safety services and those who summon their assistance. Specifically, the rules we adopt today will help more accurately measure the provision of important Enhanced 911 (E911) services, especially the ability of wireless service providers to help locate 911 callers. Wireless service providers play an increasingly important role in supporting our nation’s communications related to public safety and homeland security. Our increasingly mobile society means mobile subscribers may be the first to see and report accidents, crimes, terrorist threats, or any other emergency. Incredibly, mobile phones are used to make over a quarter of a million 911 calls every day. Moreover, even when the subscriber is not mobile, the mobile phone often is the preferred means of communication. One of every eight homes in this country is “wireless only,” so even at home people call 911 wirelessly. The ability to locate callers who are unable to describe their location, or unaware of their location, is critical to ensuring a timely, and potentially life-saving, response by public safety officials. I recognize that, in some geographic areas, accomplishing the goals we establish today will be challenging, at least with current technologies. Thus, we need to ensure that, by establishing these rules, we do not provide disincentives for expanding service to rural Americans, especially as it relates to our goal of nationwide broadband deployment. At the same time, I believe that the Commission must set reasonable goals to ensure that wireless service providers move steadily towards better location capabilities. Thus, while I am supportive of the item, I would have preferred seeking a consensus of public safety and technical experts regarding the benchmarks established herein. I thank the staff of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau for their work on this important item, as well as the men and women who respond to 911 calls every day and especially to those who have given their lives keeping us safe in times of emergency.