§  9.3   Definitions.

   Terms with definitions including the "(RR)" designation are defined in
   the same way in § 2.1 of this chapter and in the Radio Regulations of
   the International Telecommunication Union.

   911 calls. Any call initiated by an end user by dialing 911 for the
   purpose of accessing an emergency service provider. For wireless
   carriers, all 911 calls include those they are required to transmit
   pursuant to subpart C of this part.

   Alternative location information. Location information (which may be
   coordinate-based) sufficient to identify the caller's civic address and
   approximate in-building location, including floor level, in large
   buildings.

   Appropriate local emergency authority. An emergency answering point
   that has not been officially designated as a Public Safety Answering
   Point (PSAP), but has the capability of receiving 911 calls and either
   dispatching emergency services personnel or, if necessary, relaying the
   call to another emergency service provider. An appropriate local
   emergency authority may include, but is not limited to, an existing
   local law enforcement authority, such as the police, county sheriff,
   local emergency medical services provider, or fire department.

   Automated dispatchable location. Automatic generation of dispatchable
   location.

   Automatic Location Information (ALI). Information transmitted while
   providing E911 service that permits emergency service providers to
   identify the geographic location of the calling party.

   Automatic Number Identification (ANI). For 911 systems, the Automatic
   Number Identification (ANI) identifies the calling party and may be
   used as the callback number.

   Commercial mobile radio service (CMRS). A mobile service that is:

   (1)(i) Provided for profit, i.e., with the intent of receiving
   compensation or monetary gain;

   (ii) An interconnected service; and

   (iii) Available to the public, or to such classes of eligible users as
   to be effectively available to a substantial portion of the public; or

   (2) The functional equivalent of such a mobile service described in
   paragraph (1) of this definition.

   (3) A variety of factors may be evaluated to make a determination
   whether the mobile service in question is the functional equivalent of
   a commercial mobile radio service, including: Consumer demand for the
   service to determine whether the service is closely substitutable for a
   commercial mobile radio service; whether changes in price for the
   service under examination, or for the comparable commercial mobile
   radio service, would prompt customers to change from one service to the
   other; and market research information identifying the targeted market
   for the service under review.

   (4) Unlicensed radio frequency devices under part 15 of this chapter
   are excluded from this definition of Commercial mobile radio service.

   Common carrier or carrier. Any common carrier engaged in interstate
   Communication by wire or radio as defined in section 3(h) of the
   Communications Act of 1934, as amended (the Act), and any common
   carrier engaged in intrastate communication by wire or radio,
   notwithstanding sections 2(b) and 221(b) of the Act. Communications
   assistant (CA). A person who transliterates or interprets conversation
   between two or more end users of TRS.

   Configured. The settings or configurations for a particular MLTS
   installation have been implemented so that the MLTS is fully capable
   when installed of dialing 911 directly and providing MLTS notification
   as required under the statute and rules. This does not preclude the
   inclusion of additional dialing patterns to reach 911. However, if the
   system is configured with these additional dialing patterns, they must
   be in addition to the default direct dialing pattern.

   Designated PSAP. The Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) designated by
   the local or state entity that has the authority and responsibility to
   designate the PSAP to receive wireless 911 calls.

   Dispatchable location. A location delivered to the PSAP with a 911 call
   that consists of the validated street address of the calling party,
   plus additional information such as suite, apartment or similar
   information necessary to adequately identify the location of the
   calling party, except for Commercial Mobile Radio Service providers,
   which shall convey the location information required by subpart C of
   this part.

   Earth station. A station located either on the Earth's surface or
   within the major portion of the Earth's atmosphere intended for
   communication:

   (1) With one or more space stations; or

   (2) With one or more stations of the same kind by means of one or more
   reflecting satellites or other objects in space. (RR)

   Emergency Call Center. A facility that subscribers of satellite
   commercial mobile radio services call when in need of emergency
   assistance by dialing "911" on their mobile earth station terminals.

   Feeder link. A radio link from a fixed earth station at a given
   location to a space station, or vice versa, conveying information for a
   space radiocommunication service other than the Fixed-Satellite
   Service. The given location may be at a specified fixed point or at any
   fixed point within specified areas. (RR)

   Fixed-Satellite Service (FSS). A radiocommunication service between
   earth stations at given positions, when one or more satellites are
   used; the given position may be a specified fixed point or any fixed
   point within specified areas; in some cases this service includes
   satellite-to-satellite links, which may also be operated in the
   inter-satellite service; the Fixed-Satellite Service may also include
   feeder links of other space radiocommunication services. (RR)

   Handset-based location technology. A method of providing the location
   of wireless 911 callers that requires the use of special
   location-determining hardware and/or software in a portable or mobile
   phone. Handset-based location technology may also employ additional
   location-determining hardware and/or software in the CMRS network
   and/or another fixed infrastructure.

   iTRS access technology. Any equipment, software, or other technology
   issued, leased, or provided by an internet-based TRS provider that can
   be used to make and receive an internet-based TRS call.

   Improvement to the hardware or software of the system. An improvement
   to the hardware or software of the MLTS, including upgrades to the core
   systems of the MLTS, as well as substantial upgrades to the software
   and any software upgrades requiring a significant purchase.

   Interconnected VoIP service. (1) An interconnected Voice over Internet
   Protocol (VoIP) service is a service that:

   (i) Enables real-time, two-way voice communications;

   (ii) Requires a broadband connection from the user's location;

   (iii) Requires internet protocol-compatible customer premises equipment
   (CPE); and

   (iv) Permits users generally to receive calls that originate on the
   public switched telephone network and to terminate calls to the public
   switched telephone network.

   (2) Notwithstanding the foregoing, solely for purposes of compliance
   with the Commission's 911 obligations, an interconnected VoIP service
   includes a service that fulfills each of paragraphs (1)(i) through
   (iii) of this definition and permits users generally to terminate calls
   to the public switched telephone network.

   Internet-based TRS (iTRS). A telecommunications relay service (TRS) in
   which an individual with a hearing or a speech disability connects to a
   TRS communications assistant using an Internet Protocol-enabled device
   via the internet, rather than the public switched telephone network.
   Except as authorized or required by the Commission, internet-based TRS
   does not include the use of a text telephone (TTY) or RTT over an
   interconnected voice over Internet Protocol service.

   Internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Service (IP CTS). A
   telecommunications relay service that permits an individual who can
   speak but who has difficulty hearing over the telephone to use a
   telephone and an Internet Protocol-enabled device via the internet to
   simultaneously listen to the other party and read captions of what the
   other party is saying. With IP CTS, the connection carrying the
   captions between the relay service provider and the relay service user
   is via the internet, rather than the public switched telephone network.

   Internet Protocol Relay Service (IP Relay). A telecommunications relay
   service that permits an individual with a hearing or a speech
   disability to communicate in text using an Internet Protocol-enabled
   device via the internet, rather than using a text telephone (TTY) and
   the public switched telephone network.

   Location-capable handsets. Portable or mobile phones that contain
   special location-determining hardware and/or software, which is used by
   a licensee to locate 911 calls.

   MLTS notification. An MLTS feature that can send notice to a central
   location at the facility where the system is installed or to another
   person or organization regardless of location. Examples of notification
   include conspicuous on-screen messages with audible alarms for security
   desk computers using a client application, text messages for
   smartphones, and email for administrators. Notification shall include,
   at a minimum, the following information:

   (1) The fact that a 911 call has been made;

   (2) A valid callback number; and

   (3) The information about the caller's location that the MLTS conveys
   to the public safety answering point (PSAP) with the call to 911;
   provided, however, that the notification does not have to include a
   callback number or location information if it is technically infeasible
   to provide this information.

   Mobile Earth Station. An earth station in the Mobile-Satellite Service
   intended to be used while in motion or during halts at unspecified
   points. (RR)

   Mobile-Satellite Service (MSS). (1) A radiocommunication service:

   (i) Between mobile earth stations and one or more space stations, or
   between space stations used by this service; or

   (ii) Between mobile earth stations, by means of one or more space
   stations.

   (2) This service may also include feeder links necessary for its
   operation. (RR)

   Mobile service. A radio communication service carried on between mobile
   stations or receivers and land stations, and by mobile stations
   communicating among themselves, and includes:

   (1) Both one-way and two-way radio communications services;

   (2) A mobile service which provides a regularly interacting group of
   base, mobile, portable, and associated control and relay stations
   (whether licensed on an individual, cooperative, or multiple basis) for
   private one-way or two-way land mobile radio communications by eligible
   users over designated areas of operation; and

   (3) Any service for which a license is required in a personal
   communications service under part 24 of this chapter.

   Network-based location technology. A method of providing the location
   of wireless 911 callers that employs hardware and/or software in the
   CMRS network and/or another fixed infrastructure, and does not require
   the use of special location-determining hardware and/or software in the
   caller's portable or mobile phone.

   Multi-line telephone system or MLTS. A system comprised of common
   control units, telephone sets, control hardware and software and
   adjunct systems, including network and premises based systems, such as
   Centrex and VoIP, as well as PBX, Hybrid, and Key Telephone Systems (as
   classified by the Commission under part 68 of title 47, Code of Federal
   Regulations), and includes systems owned or leased by governmental
   agencies and non-profit entities, as well as for profit businesses.

   Non-English language relay service. A telecommunications relay service
   that allows persons with hearing or speech disabilities who use
   languages other than English to communicate with voice telephone users
   in a shared language other than English, through a CA who is fluent in
   that language.

   On-premises. In the context of a multi-line telephone system, within
   the fixed property (e.g. building(s), facilities, or campus) and under
   the operational control of a single administrative authority.

   Person engaged in the business of installing an MLTS. A person that
   configures the MLTS or performs other tasks involved in getting the
   system ready to operate. These tasks may include, but are not limited
   to, establishing the dialing pattern for emergency calls, determining
   how calls will route to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN),
   and determining where the MLTS will interface with the PSTN. These
   tasks are performed when the system is initially installed, but they
   may also be performed on a more or less regular basis by the MLTS
   operator as the communications needs of the enterprise change. The MLTS
   installer may be the MLTS manager or a third party acting on behalf of
   the manager.

   Person engaged in the business of managing an MLTS. The entity that is
   responsible for controlling and overseeing implementation of the MLTS
   after installation. These responsibilities include determining how
   lines should be distributed (including the adding or moving of lines),
   assigning and reassigning telephone numbers, and ongoing network
   configuration.

   Person engaged in the business of manufacturing, importing, selling, or
   leasing an MLTS. A person that manufactures, imports, sells, or leases
   an MLTS.

   Person engaged in the business of operating an MLTS. A person
   responsible for the day-to-day operations of the MLTS.

   Pre-configured. An MLTS that comes equipped with hardware and/or
   software capable of establishing a setting that enables users to
   directly dial 911 as soon as the system is able to initiate calls to
   the public switched telephone network, so long as the MLTS is installed
   and operated properly. This does not preclude the inclusion of
   additional dialing patterns to reach 911. However, if the system is
   configured with these additional dialing patterns, they must be in
   addition to the default direct dialing pattern.

   Private mobile radio service. A mobile service that meets neither the
   paragraph (1) nor paragraph (2) in the definition of commercial mobile
   radio service in this section. A mobile service that does not meet
   paragraph (1) in the definition of commercial mobile radio service in
   this section is presumed to be a private mobile radio service. Private
   mobile radio service includes the following:

   (1) Not-for-profit land mobile radio and paging services that serve the
   licensee's internal communications needs as defined in part 90 of this
   chapter. Shared-use, cost-sharing, or cooperative arrangements,
   multiple licensed systems that use third party managers or users
   combining resources to meet compatible needs for specialized internal
   communications facilities in compliance with the safeguards of § 90.179
   of this chapter are presumptively private mobile radio services;

   (2) Mobile radio service offered to restricted classes of eligible
   users. This includes entities eligible in the Public Safety Radio Pool
   and Radiolocation service.

   (3) 220-222 MHz land mobile service and Automatic Vehicle Monitoring
   systems (part 90 of this chapter) that do not offer interconnected
   service or that are not-for-profit; and

   (4) Personal Radio Services under part 95 of this chapter (General
   Mobile Services, Radio Control Radio Services, and Citizens Band Radio
   Services); Maritime Service Stations (excluding Public Coast stations)
   (part 80 of this chapter); and Aviation Service Stations (part 87 of
   this chapter).

   Pseudo Automatic Number Identification (Pseudo-ANI). A number,
   consisting of the same number of digits as ANI, that is not a North
   American Numbering Plan telephone directory number and may be used in
   place of an ANI to convey special meaning. The special meaning assigned
   to the pseudo-ANI is determined by agreements, as necessary, between
   the system originating the call, intermediate systems handling and
   routing the call, and the destination system.

   Public safety answering point or PSAP. An answering point that has been
   designated to receive 911 calls and route them to emergency services
   personnel.

   Public Switched Network. Any common carrier switched network, whether
   by wire or radio, including local exchange carriers, interexchange
   carriers, and mobile service providers, that uses the North American
   Numbering Plan in connection with the provision of switched services.

   Real-Time Text (RTT). Text communications that are transmitted over
   Internet Protocol (IP) networks immediately as they are created, e.g.,
   on a character-by-character basis.

   Registered internet-based TRS user. An individual that has registered
   with a VRS, IP Relay, or IP CTS provider as described in § 64.611.

   Registered Location. The most recent information obtained by a provider
   of interconnected VoIP service or telecommunications relay services
   (TRS), as applicable, that identifies the physical location of an end
   user.

   Space station. A station located on an object which is beyond, is
   intended to go beyond, or has been beyond, the major portion of the
   Earth's atmosphere. (RR)

   Speech-to-speech relay service (STS). A telecommunications relay
   service that allows individuals with speech disabilities to communicate
   with voice telephone users through the use of specially trained CAs who
   understand the speech patterns of persons with speech disabilities and
   can repeat the words spoken by that person.

   Statewide default answering point. An emergency answering point
   designated by the State to receive 911 calls for either the entire
   State or those portions of the State not otherwise served by a local
   PSAP.

   Station. A station equipped to engage in radio communication or radio
   transmission of energy (47 U.S.C. 153(k)).

   Telecommunications relay services (TRS). Telephone transmission
   services that provide the ability for an individual who has a hearing
   or speech disability to engage in communication by wire or radio with a
   hearing individual in a manner that is functionally equivalent to the
   ability of an individual who does not have a hearing or speech
   disability to communicate using voice communication services by wire or
   radio. Such term includes services that enable two-way communication
   between an individual who uses a text telephone or other nonvoice
   terminal device and an individual who does not use such a device,
   speech-to-speech services, video relay services and non-English relay
   services. TRS supersedes the terms "dual party relay system," "message
   relay services," and "TDD Relay."

   Text telephone (TTY). A machine that employs graphic communication in
   the transmission of coded signals through a wire or radio communication
   system. TTY supersedes the term "TDD" or "telecommunications device for
   the deaf," and TT.

   Video relay service (VRS). A telecommunications relay service that
   allows people with hearing or speech disabilities who use sign language
   to communicate with voice telephone users through video equipment. The
   video link allows the CA to view and interpret the party's signed
   conversation and relay the conversation back and forth with a voice
   caller.

   Wireline E911 Network. A dedicated wireline network that:

   (1) Is interconnected with but largely separate from the public
   switched telephone network;

   (2) Includes a selective router; and

   (3) Is used to route emergency calls and related information to PSAPs,
   designated statewide default answering points, appropriate local
   emergency authorities or other emergency answering points.

   

Subpart B--Telecommunications Carriers