STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER MIGNON L. CLYBURN
Re: Facilitating the Deployment of Text-to-911 and Other Next Generation 911 Applications, 
PS Docket No. 11-153; Framework for Next Generation 911 Deployment, PS Docket No. 
10-255
One of the most necessary, challenging, yet rewarding aspects of this job is the ability to 
negotiate and deliver some incredible opportunities for the people we serve through 
policymaking.  One thing not on the table for debate, however, is ensuing that our public safety 
policies keep pace with the evolving demand for mobile communications services so that all 
Americans may benefit from the advantages new technologies have to offer.  Just a short while 
ago, we were talking about how SMS texting is becoming more popular than voice calls.  Now, 
industry analysts debate whether over-the-top texting, which allows users to send free messages 
to those using the same apps, will eclipse basic SMS texting in popularity.  Little known tech 
history fact:  In mid-2013, the six most popular over the top text applications, averaged nearly 19 
billion messages per day.
For the millions of Americans who live with hearing and speech challenges, SMS and 
over-the-top texting services are invaluable.  They also help in situations when a voice call to 9-1-
1 might be dangerous (such as during a home invasion), or when voice calls are being blocked 
due to unusual network congestion.  For these reasons, it is important that we continue to promote 
greater deployment and adoption of text to 9-1-1 services.
Today's item builds upon the voluntary commitments made by four nationwide wireless 
carriers and I wish to thank them once again, along with APCO and NENA, for their efforts to 
promote timely deployments of text to 9-1-1 services to PSAPs.
To ensure these public safety services are available to all wireless consumers we 
acknowledge that there is still more work to do.  So I am pleased this item seeks comment on a 
number of important aspects that will be part of the long term evolution of text to 9-1-1 services.  
These elements include:  (1) providing more precise location information in conjunction with 
emergency texts, (2) delivering text-to-911 over non-cellular data channels, (3) and supporting 
text-to-911 for consumers while roaming on CMRS networks.
Admiral David Simpson and his staff in the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau 
are to be commended, for their great work on this item.