“The public has an expectation that no matter where you call 911 from, you reach an operator,” said Lisa Fowlkes, Bureau Chief of the FCC’s Public Safety & Homeland Security Bureau, on Wednesday. The Commission proposed rules to help ensure those who call from places using multi-line telephone systems, typically found in office buildings, hotels, motels and on campuses, can reach 911 operators without needing to dial a prefix.
The action is meant to enact Kari’s Law, which also requires multi-line telephone systems to notify a front desk or security office when a 911 call is made, to help first responders know the caller’s location. Wireless carriers are already required to provide location information for 911 calls.
Kari’s Law stemmed from the murder of Kari Hunt Dunn in a motel room, in December 2013. Her nine-year-old daughter dialed 911 repeatedly, but the calls didn’t go through because the motel required dialing “9“ to get an outside line.
“It’s been 1,539 days since Kari died,” said Kari’s father, Hank Hunt, ahead of the FCC vote. “I’m tired of counting days. I’m anxious to see the days ahead count.”
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said of Hank Hunt, “one man’s courage makes a majority.” He said after the vote: “This proves Kari did not die in vain.”
September 28, 2018
