On the heels of the historic agreement between NENA-The 9-1-1 Association, Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile, and the Association for Public-Safety Communications Officials International (APCO) to bring text-to-9-1-1 capabilities to the "Big 4” wireless networks in 2014, the FCC has taken further action to enable this technology and ensure that all Americans, especially those with hearing and speech disabilities, have access to 9-1-1.

"NENA thanks the FCC, specifically Chairman Genachowski and the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, for their ongoing commitment to 9-1-1 issues,” said NENA President Barbara Jaeger. "We look forward to working with the Commission and all stakeholders to make text-to-9-1-1 a success. However, until text-to-9-1-1 becomes available – and even after -- citizens contacting 9-1-1 should do so via voice communications whenever possible.” Read more.