SECTION 252.7. Definitions

(a) Purpose. This rule defines terms commonly used by the Commission. Terms not defined in this rule or another Commission rule or policy statement shall be defined by Applicable Law. The National Emergency Number Association (NENA) Master Glossary of 9-1-1 Terminology is adopted by reference. Commission rules and/or policy statements shall govern in the event of a conflict with the definitions in the NENA Master Glossary.

(b) Definitions. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the following terms mean:

(1) 9-1-1 Call Taking Position--Equipment required to deliver an emergency 9-1-1 call. The position is defined as the equipment necessary to answer the call, not the associated personnel. A position consists of a device for answering the 9-1-1 calls, a device to display 9-1-1 call information, and the related telephone circuitry and computer and/or router equipment necessary to ensure reliable handling of the 9-1-1 call.

(2) 9-1-1 Database--An organized collection of information, which is typically stored in computer systems that are comprised of fields, records (data), and indexes. In 9-1-1, such databases include master street address guides (MSAG), telephone numbers, emergency service numbers (ESNs), and telephone customer records. This information is used for the delivery of location information to a designated public safety answering point (PSAP). Use of the 9-1-1 database must be authorized by the Commission and RPC. The database is developed and maintained by the local government agency and/or the RPC as described within the regional strategic plan in accordance with Commission Rule 251.9, Guidelines for Database Maintenance Funds.

(3) 9-1-1 Equipment--Items and components whose cost is over $5,000 and have a useful life of at least one year.

(4) 9-1-1 Funds--Funds assessed and disbursed in accordance with the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 771.

(5) 9-1-1 Network--The dedicated network of equipment, circuits, and controls assembled to establish communication paths to deliver 9-1-1 emergency communications.

(6) Applicable Law--Includes, but is not limited to, federal law and FCC regulations; Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 771; Commission rules, Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Title 1, Part 12; Public Utility Commission of Texas rules, TAC Title 16, Part 2, Chapters 22 and 26; the Uniform Grant Management Standards, TAC Title 1, Part 1, Chapter 5, Subchapter A, Division 4. Also referred to as "applicable laws and rules."

(7) Capital Asset--Items and components whose cost is over $5,000 and which have a useful life of at least one year.

(8) Capital Purchase--A procurement of items, systems, or services that cost is over $5,000 in the aggregate, and that have a useful life of at least one year.

(9) Commission--Commission on State Emergency Communications. Also referred to as CSEC.

(10) Contingency Routing Plan--Routing scheme to provide for the provision of uninterrupted 9-1-1 service in the event of an incident that requires the temporary rerouting of 9-1-1 calls due to man-made or natural disasters.

(11) Controlled Assets--Items and components that have a cost of $5,000 or less and have a useful life of at least one year and have a high risk for loss.

(12) Customer Premises Equipment (CPE)--the terminal equipment at a PSAP.

(13) Database Maintenance--A program for the maintenance of the regional MSAG.

(14) Digital Map--A computer generated and stored data set based on a coordinate system, which includes geographical and attribute information pertaining to a defined location. A digital map includes street name and location information, data sets related to emergency service provider boundaries, as well as other associated data.

(15) Emergency Communication District (District)--A public agency or group of public agencies acting jointly that provided 9-1-1 service before September 1, 1987, or that had voted or contracted before that date to provide that service; or a District created under Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 772, Subchapters B, C, D, or F.

(16) Equipment Maintenance--The preservation and upkeep of 9-1-1 equipment in order to insure that it continues to operate and perform at a level comparable to that exhibited at its initial acquisition.

(17) FCC--The Federal Communications Commission.

(18) Integrated Services--Primary or third party computer software applications that have been installed or implemented on an existing 911 call taking position's workstation that were not designed or intended for the workstation at the time of purchase or not loaded onto the workstation by the equipment vendor when originally installed at the PSAP.

(19) Interlocal Agreement--A contract cooperatively executed between local governments or other political subdivisions of the state to perform administrative functions or provide services, relating to 9-1-1 telecommunications.

(20) Local Government--A county, municipality, public agency, or any other political subdivision that provides, participates in the provision of, or has authority to provide fire-fighting, law enforcement, ambulance, medical, 9-1-1, or other emergency services and/or addressing functions.

(21) Local Monitoring Plan--The RPC schedule for monitoring all interlocal contracts, 9-1-1 funded activities, equipment, PSAPs, and subcontractors.

(22) Primary PSAP--PSAP to which 9-1-1 calls are routed directly from a central office/selective routing tandem.

(23) Regional Planning Commission (RPC)--A commission established under Local Government Code, Chapter 391, also referred to as a regional council of governments.

(24) Regional Strategic Plan--A plan developed by each RPC for the establishment and operation of 9-1-1 service throughout the region that the RPC serves. The service and contents must meet the standards established by the Commission. A Regional Strategic Plan may also be referred to as Regional Plan or Strategic Plan.

(25) TDD--the acronym for Telecommunication Device for the Deaf. Other interchangeable acronyms accepted are TTY (Teletypewriter) or TT (Text Telephone).

(26) Uniform Grant Management Standards (UGMS)--As developed by the Governor's Office of Budget, Planning and Policy under the authority of Chapter 783 of the Texas Government Code.

(27) Useful Life--The period of time that a piece of capital equipment can consistently and acceptably fulfill its service or functional assignment.

(28) Wireless 9-1-1 Call--A call made by a wireless end user utilizing a WSP wireless network, initiated by dialing "9-1-1" (and, as necessary, pressing the "Send" or analogous transmitting button) on a Wireless Handset.

(29) Wireless E9-1-1 Phase I Service--The service by which the wireless service provider (WSP) delivers to the designated PSAP the wireless end user's call back number and cell site/sector information when a wireless end user has made a 9-1-1 call, as contracted by the RPC.

(30) Wireless E9-1-1 Phase II Service--The service by which the WSP delivers to the designated PSAP the wireless end user's call back number, cell site/sector information, as well as X, Y (longitude, latitude) coordinates to the accuracy standards set forth in the FCC Order.

(31) Wireless E9-1-1 Service Agreement--The standard Phase I and/or Phase II Wireless E9-1-1 Service Agreement, as applicable, provided by the Commission and available on the Commission's web site.

Source Note: The provisions of this §252.7 adopted to be effective February 3, 2009, 34 TexReg 581