Standards, Regulations, and Governance
Core concepts
This domain covers the legal and standards framework around 9-1-1: FCC rules, state 9-1-1 statutes, NENA standards, APCO standards, and ANSI/ i3 specifications. Key federal topics include Enhanced 9-1-1 requirements, wireless location accuracy rules, Kari's Law and RAY BAUM's Act (direct 9-1-1 dialing and dispatchable location for MLTS), and net neutrality/ priority services. State-level topics include 9-1-1 surcharges, PSAP funding mechanisms, and state 9-1-1 authority structures.
Governance
Understand the roles of the state 9-1-1 authority, PSAP governing body, service provider, and NENA/APCO as standards bodies. Know the difference between a standard (voluntary, consensus-based) and a regulation (enforceable).
Traps
Questions often conflate NENA standards with FCC rules, or assume Kari's Law applies to all phone systems. Kari's Law applies to MLTS; RAY BAUM's Act adds dispatchable location. Also watch for surcharge vs. fee distinctions and state vs. federal authority boundaries.
Rule of thumb
When a question asks "who requires this?", ask: Is it a law (FCC/state) or a standard (NENA/APCO)? Laws are enforceable; standards are best practice adopted into policy.