LANSING – The Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police and the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association said on Monday they oppose a bill that would streamline the process allowing phone companies to end landline services, saying cell phones and voice over Internet protocol services are not completely reliable.
SB 636 passed the Senate last week and is scheduled to be taken up in the House Energy and Technology Committee on Tuesday. The bill could see a vote in the full House this week.
Robert Stevenson, executive director for the Chiefs of Police, expressed concerns on how residents would get in touch with police reliably.
“This bill would eliminate landlines, which has traditionally been the primary source of communication between our citizens and our local police departments,” he said. “The elimination of landlines, as they are referred to in this bill, we think would be extremely dangerous … for many of the citizens within our state.”
The bill would not necessarily eliminate landlines, but would eliminate the need for phone companies to obtain approval of the Michigan Public Service Commission to end landline service in the area as well as Federal Communications Commission approval. Under the bill, only FCC approval would be necessary although there is a mechanism for the PSC to get involved if a customer raises concerns.
Stevenson said cell phone coverage and voice over Internet protocol service is “spotty at best” outside of urban areas.
Terry Jungel, executive director of the Sheriffs’ Association, said he was concerned the bill was moving so quickly – it was introduced in October – even though it wouldn’t take effect until 2017.
“We’re talking about a product here that is used to save lives,” he said “You invoke the 911 operation of the phone, it’s a lifesaving option.” Jungel said more time should be taken on the legislation.
Jungel said the Senate did not hear anything from law enforcement before it easily passed the bill 31-4 last week.
“We’d like to be involved,” he said.
Matt Resch, spokesperson for AT&T, the primary backer of the bill, said 83 percent of 911 calls in 2012 were from cell phones. He also referenced the bill now including a safety valve provision allowing the Public Service Commission to step in if someone would not have access, ensuring no one will be left without access to 911 service.
Eric Schneidewind, former chair of the Public Service Commission and a member of the AARP National Board, said that when a phone service provider wants to drop landline service, the Public Service Commission should be able to take the initiative to determine if there is a comparable alternative service available. The bill says the consumer must go to the PSC to initiate such an investigation.
“That ties the PSC’s hands, and to place that burden on the consumer is unfair,” he said.
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