The FCC began levying fees on cable operators [0] for access to E911 systems--now, Congress is ready to tell the telcos they must provide direct access to the E911 backbone for cable companies and other VoIP service providers.

Just out of the House Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, the legislation is intended to make sure all phone customers have equal access to E911, regardless of the technology on which their calls are carried.

There's more to the bill, of course, including a requirement that the 911 Implementation and Coordination Office develop a plan for moving the national 911 infrastructure to an IP-based multi-mode system. The next step for the bill is the Energy and Commerce Committee.

For more:
- eWeek has the complete article here [1]

Related articles:
FCC clarifies e911 accuracy requirements Report [2]
Ooma chief talks with Fierce VoIP Interview [2]