SE Ohio Times

On April 26, the ALERT Parity Act authored by Rep. Bill Johnson (R-OH) and Rep. Kim Schrier (D-WA) passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a 422-1 vote. This legislation directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to issue rules for the provision of emergency connectivity service. It would enable providers of emergency connectivity services, including providers of satellite direct-to-cell service, to apply to the FCC to access spectrum to fill in commercial mobile service coverage gaps in unserved areas specifically to provide connectivity for emergency services. Reps. Johnson and Schrier released the following statements after the House passage of the ALERT Parity Act:

“The ALERT Parity Act would ensure that every American, regardless of their zip code, will be able to receive critical emergency alerts and make 911 calls. Our legislation enables access to emergency services for areas that would otherwise not have access to cellular services – especially in rural areas like Appalachia Ohio where I represent. I am proud to have worked with Rep. Kim Schrier to pass this important legislation in the House of Representatives. It is critical that Congress address the challenges Americans living in technologically underserved areas face when it comes to cellular connectivity,” said Rep. Johnson. “I urge the U.S. Senate to pass this lifesaving legislation and place it on President Biden’s desk.”

“I am thrilled that the House just passed the ALERT Parity Act. Far too often, rural communities are left behind and do not have the proper resources they deserve like emergency services. The 8th district is nearly 10,000 square miles and many of my constituents who live in these rural areas do not have the consistent ability to make emergency 911 calls and receive emergency alerts. As a doctor, I know how crucial time is in a medical emergency, as just a few minutes can make an immense difference,” said Rep. Schrier. “This bill directs the FCC to create a regulatory framework that will allow satellites to provide service in emergency situations. This will significantly improve the care rural Washingtonians receive in crucial situations like medical emergencies and natural disasters.”

For full text of the bill, click here. 

Original source can be found here.