STATEMENT OF 
COMMISSIONER ROBERT M. McDOWELL
Re: Wireless E911 Location Accuracy Requirements, Second Report and Order, PS Docket 
No. 07-114; Wireless E911 Location Accuracy Requirements, E911 Requirements for IP-
Enabled Service Providers, Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Notice of 
Inquiry, PS Docket No. 07-114, WC Docket No. 05-196.
For some time now, I have strongly encouraged efforts to forge consensus on the technological 
challenges to improving the accuracy of locating wireless callers who face an emergency.  I am 
delighted, therefore, that we have reached this day and I am pleased to support today’s Report and 
Order.  We are unanimously adopting rules that will satisfy the current needs of public safety 
personnel and the expectations of America’s wireless consumers.  I thank all the participants for 
sharing your expertise and knowledge on the complex issues discussed in this proceeding.
 
Given the great consumer demand for and constant technology upgrades to wireless services, the 
companion Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Notice of Inquiry is the more important 
of the two documents we adopt today.  We have an ongoing duty to ensure that consumers, 
industry and first responders will all benefit as more powerful products are developed and 
deployed. 
 
I am pleased that the Commission is promoting a meaningful discussion on the longer term 
requirements for 911 capabilities.  We are posing tough questions on the effect of location 
accuracy and automatic location identification improvements, including indoor testing 
capabilities, as well as the applicability of E911 requirements to additional wireless 
communications services, devices and applications, among other issues.  As is reflected in the 
order we adopt today, harnessing the expertise of all interested stakeholders will serve the public 
interest and move all of us ahead to understand and solve these technological challenges in a 
straightforward, comprehensive and transparent manner.
Thank you to Jeff Cohen and Patrick Donovan for their leadership, as well as to the entire team in 
the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau for its important work.