STATEMENT OF
CHAIRMAN TOM WHEELER
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
Today, we are taking actions that allow 911 to keep pace with new technology, that sets 
the stage for enabling even more functionality on the 911 platform, and, most importantly, that 
will save lives.
Texting has become a widely adopted communications tool and is the principal means by 
which many people with disabilities communicate.  Last year, in fact, Americans sent 1.91 
trillion traditional text messages. And beyond that huge number, multiple interconnected text 
providers have begun competing with the text service provided by CMRS carriers.
This past January, the Commission unanimously adopted a Policy Statement and Further 
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking which reflected a very straightforward philosophy:  as 
technologies and consumer behavior continue to change, the FCC needs to make sure 911 
changes with them.  We proposed that not only should all carriers enable text-to-911, but all 
interconnected text providers should as well.  In other words, if a consumer can use an app to 
text to a phone number, she should be able to text to the most important phone she may ever use 
– 911.
What we’ve learned in the ensuing months has reinforced why that philosophy is so 
important.  For example, we know that text-to-911, where it is available, is a lifesaver.  In 
Hamilton County, Ohio, a young woman was contemplating suicide, and a friend urged her to 
call for help. She didn’t want her parents to hear her on the phone, though, so she texted instead, 
and received counseling that may have saved her life.  In Collier County, Florida, which only 
recently started supporting text-to-911, a woman was having a medical emergency and called 
911 three times, but was unable to speak. She then texted, “Help me,” and first responders were 
finally dispatched.  And in Vermont, which supports texting statewide, a woman was injured 
while hiking alone on a remote trail.  Although cell phone coverage was not good enough for her 
to make a voice call, she was able to text 911 and through that exchange direct first responders to 
her location.
In light of these facts, the actions we take today make perfect sense.  In the Order, we 
adopt rules that ensure 911 keeps pace with changing technology by requiring that all 
interconnected text providers have the capability of delivering a text to 911.  In the Further 
Notice, we seek comment on proposals to address how non-interconnected text services should 
be dealt with.  Text messaging has become increasingly utilized by mobile users, and it should be 
able to serve those consumers in a time of need.
When we adopted the Policy Statement in January, I spoke of the regulatory “see-saw,” 
which holds that if industry acts in the public interest, FCC involvement will be low, but if the 
public interest is not being served, the Commission will not hesitate to act.  On text-to-911, it’s 
time for the Commission to act.
The four nationwide wireless carriers voluntarily committed to support text-to-911 by 
May 15, 2014, and as promised, they now support text-to-911 throughout their networks.  But no 
other providers have offered voluntary commitments to implement text-to-911.  This is 
disappointing.  No company can hang up on 911, so today’s Report and Order will require all 
2wireless providers and interconnected text providers to support text-to-911.  For those carriers 
that voluntarily implemented the service, our rules should not change their course or impose any 
undue burdens.  Importantly, these rules apply to certain over-the-top, interconnected text 
providers as well as the traditional CMRS carriers.  
While the FCC and certain parts of the industry are stepping up to meet their 
responsibilities, we need more state and local governments to step up and ensure that the 911 
fees that consumers pay as part of their monthly phone bills are being directed to ensuring that 
public safety answering points, or PSAPs, have the resources they need to stay current.  Today, 
text-to-911 is supported by more than 100 PSAPs serving 18 states (including the entire states of 
Vermont and Maine).  Those numbers have improved since January, but significantly more work 
needs to be done.
The message to providers, the public safety community, and, most importantly, 
consumers, should be crystal clear:  the Commission will not stand idly by and allow public 
safety to become an afterthought just because technologies change.  Americans should not have 
to worry about whether the platforms and services they use for everyday communications can 
reach 911 in an emergency.