Fewer than one-third of the 188 communications service providers that offer 911 capabilities and filed certifications with the FCC reported having 100% diverse 911 circuits and diverse network monitoring in 2017, according to a report released today by the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau. But nearly 90% reported having backup power in all central offices that service public safety answering points (PSAPs).

“Of the 188 covered entities that filed certifications, 48 certified that they have diverse 911 circuits to all PSAPs to which they provide 911 circuits. Twenty covered entities certified that they have implemented alternative measures in lieu of circuit diversity for all of the PSAPs that they serve. Fifteen covered entities certified that they provide diverse 911 circuits to some PSAPs and that they have implemented alternative measures to other PSAPs to which they provide 911 circuits,” the report said. “There were 6,769 unique PSAPs listed in the certifications for 911 circuit diversity. The certifications showed that of these 6,769 PSAPs, 3,855 PSAPs had diverse circuits and 2,914 had implemented alternative measures.”

The report added that of those providers that filed certifications, “51 stated that they have diverse monitoring in all of their 911 service areas, and ten stated that they have certified alternative measures in all 911 service areas. Seven covered entities certified that they provide diverse monitoring in some of their 911 service areas and have implemented alternative measures in all other 911 service areas.”

The report also said that of the carriers that submitted certifications, “165 indicated that they have certified backup power in all central offices that serve PSAPs. Nine certified that they have alternative measures for backup power in all such central offices, and four covered entities certified that they have back-up power in some central offices and have implemented alternative measures in all other central offices.”- Paul Kirby, paul.kirby@wolterskluwer.com