Dear Congressional E9-1-1 Caucus Co-Chairs:

Those of us in the public safety community have long believed that development of a
robust nationwide E9-1-1 system for wireless telephone calls is one of the most important
components of a nationwide plan to promote national security and public safety. The
accomplishment of this goal will require close coordination among public safety officials, the
wireline and wireless telephone carriers, and relevant government officials.

While there is much to applaud in the many ongoing efforts to implement E9-1-1, the
goal of E9-1-1 "anywhere and everywhere" remains elusive. For this reason, we applaud your
leadership and initiative in launching the Congressional E9-1-1 Caucus, to educate members of
Congress and advance the deployment of ubiquitous E9-1-1 service in our nation. For this same
reason, we strongly encourage and support the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in
its efforts to provide resources and leadership to ensure a fully functional E9-1-1 system.

We believe that in supporting new telecommunications services and regulations,
ubiquitous E9-1-1 deployment should always be our number one priority.

In the current reality of heightened emergency risks and alertness, it is critical that we
avoid imposing any non-safety regulations and requirements that might hinder the development
and deployment of E9-1-1 service. From the inception of new technology, to the detail and
complexity of public policy, the safety and security of the public must be of paramount
importance.

As a nation, we have long demonstrated this priority. An example from the recent past
was the deployment of resources and services to achieve a safe, smooth "Y2K" transition.
Governments and industry were presented a monumental challenge with a hard deadline, but
through the collaboration and hard work, we as a nation were able to ensure the safety and
security of critical infrastructure and systems. Given that lives, property and our safety are at
stake, E9-1-1 should be given the same level of priority.

We do not oppose regulations or policies that are designed to enhance the convenience
and service options available to consumers, private industry and others. But we are far more
concerned about the safety of millions of Americans who may someday use their wireless phones
in emergency situations.

We urge the Congress to take steps to ensure that wireless E9-1-1 is our number one
priority before moving forward with non-public safety and homeland security
telecommunications rules and regulations.

Sincerely,
John Melcher
NENA, President

Cc: The Honorable John McCain
The Honorable Ernest Hollings
The Honorable W.J. "Billy" Tauzin
The Honorable John Dingell
Association of Public Safety Communications Officials Internatio nal
National State Nine One One Administrators
Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association
United States Telecom Association