SECTION 251.2. Changes to 9-1-1 Service Arrangements

(a) Purpose. The purpose of this rule is to establish minimum requirements for implementing changes to 9-1-1 service arrangements in order to protect against degradation of service.

(b) Standards. All goods, services, systems, or technology purchased with 9-1-1 funds must be consistent with the current commonly accepted standards for enhanced and next-generation 9-1-1. The reference for commonly accepted standards for 9-1-1 networks, equipment, services, and databases is the National 911 Implementation and Coordination Office, commonly referred to as the National 9-1-1 Office. The Emergency Communications Advisory Committee will advise the Commission on matters including standards for statewide interoperability and interconnection of Texas 9-1-1 Administrative Entities' Emergency Services Internet Protocol Networks as provided in Commission Rule §252.8, Emergency Communications Advisory Committee.

(c) Requirements to prevent degradation of 9-1-1 service.

(1) 9-1-1 Database Management Services Provider and 9-1-1 Network Services Provider Requirements.

(A) The service provider, including 9-1-1 Next Generation Core Services Provider, making the proposal to the Texas 9-1-1 Administrative Entity verifies in writing, as part of the proposed agreement, that:

(i) Service provider will participate in joint planning meetings with affected service providers and Texas 9-1-1 Administrative Entities as necessary to prevent degradation of 9-1-1 service;

(ii) Reasonable notice of the proposal (i.e., at least 10 days before a joint planning meeting) has been provided to the current service provider (if a change in service providers is involved) and to other potentially affected service providers;

(iii) The service provider also verifies that at least one joint planning meeting occurred with at least 10 days' notice to all affected service providers that they may participate in the joint planning meeting; and

(iv) As a result of the joint planning meeting either each technical issue or objection by other service providers has fully been resolved or an impartial statement of each unresolved issue or objection has been provided (a joint planning meeting is open to evaluate all alternatives and is not limited to a discussion of one service provider's proposal).

(B) All certifications, prerequisites, and agreements requiring approval under applicable laws and regulations, specifically including Public Utility Commission's §§26.272, 26.433, and 26.435 (16 TAC Part 2, Chapter 26) as they pertain to 9-1-1 service, have been obtained, completed, and approved.

(2) Texas 9-1-1 Administrative Entity Requirements. Prior to the implementation of a change in a 9-1-1 service arrangement, a Texas 9-1-1 Administrative Entity must give reasonable notice to all neighboring or adjacent 9-1-1 entities that could potentially be affected by the change.

Source Note: The provisions of this §251.2 adopted to be effective April 1, 1997, 22 TexReg 3033; amended to be effective September 5, 1999, 24 TexReg 6709; amended to be effective July 6, 2003, 28 TexReg 4885; amended to be effective July 18, 2004, 29 TexReg 6621; amended to be effective June 3, 2014, 39 TexReg 4235; amended to be effective February 16, 2022, 47 TexReg 645