Media Contact: 
Will Wiquist
will.wiquist@fcc.gov

For Immediate Release

ACTING CHAIRWOMAN ROSENWORCEL ANNOUNCES MEMBERS OF 911 STRIKE FORCE 
Advisory Committee Will Examine 911 Fee Diversion-- 

WASHINGTON, May 21, 2021—FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel today announced the appointment of 17 members to the Commission’s newly created 911 Strike Force, which will meet for the first time on June 3, 2021.  Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel announced the creation of the Strike Force on February 17, 2021, and charged the group with studying the problem of 911 fee diversion—that is, the practice by some states and jurisdictions of using the 911 fees consumers pay on their phone bills for non-911 purposes—and reporting to Congress on how the Federal government can end this practice. 

“America’s 911 system needs an update for the digital age,” said Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel.  “But as we’ve seen, 911 fee diversion can shortchange public safety by delaying those updates.  I am happy that the Strike Force will soon be getting to work on ideas that will help ensure that the fees that American consumers pay to support 911 will go to 911.  Thank you to Kelli Merriweather for agreeing to lead this group, and welcome to all of the new 911 Strike Force members.  I look forward to your work and your findings.”
 
Formally known as the “Ending 9-1-1 Fee Diversion Now Strike Force,” the 911 Strike Force was established pursuant to the Don’t Break Up the T-Band Act of 2020.  The first public meeting will be held on June 3, 2021, and the 911 Strike Force must publish its findings by September 23, 2021.  Also pursuant to the legislation, the Commission proposed new rules in February to address 911 fee diversion. 

Additional information about the 911 Strike Force is available at www.fcc.gov/911strikeforce. 

###

Media Relations: (202) 418-0500 / ASL: (844) 432-2275 / Twitter: @FCC / www.fcc.gov 

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. Cir. 1974).