|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: APCO
Courtney McCarron
202.833.9600
mccarronc@apco911.org
APCO EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION RULING
June 8, 2007, Washington, DC –The Association of Public-Safety Communication Officials (APCO), International is very concerned with the ruling by the International Trade Commission (ITC) in the patent case between Broadcom and Qualcomm. While APCO has no interest in the civil matter between the two parties, the “downstream” remedy announced today by the ITC could have a far reaching, adverse impact on the delivery of public safety services within the United States.
APCO, along with other leading public safety associations provided testimony to the ITC on March 22nd detailing the adverse effects that would result from the downstream remedy sought by Broadcom. The ITC ruling will directly impact the delivery of E9-1-1 services. The ruling will create a major obstacle for most wireless subscribers seeking to upgrade their wireless handsets to newer models that will allow for much more accurate, GPS-based location capabilities. The ITC’s order also negates certain improved indoor location capabilities needed to pinpoint the location of wireless subscribers.. This ruling is particularly unfortunate in light of the recent Notice of Proposed Rulemaking issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding improvements in the ability of public safety entities to locate wireless customers dialing 9-1-1.
Additionally, the downstream remedy announced by the ITC presents an obstacle for first responders seeking to migrate their users, including police, fire, and emergency medical personnel, access to certain broadband services. Again, the ruling is counterproductive as the FCC is actively engaged in a rulemaking procedure that is focused on providing broadband services to the first responder community.
Lastly, the downstream remedy announced by the ITC will limit improvements in the Emergency Alert System (EAS). With over 250 million wireless subscribers having the potential to receive such warnings, this order will significantly deter the development of this updated emergency alert capability.
|
