The FCC Just Validated 1Locate's Interop Address—Here’s What PSAPs Must Do Next

The FCC Just Validated 1Locate's Interop Address - Here's What PSAP's Must Do Next

Published: March 14, 2025

Imagine calling 911 in a life-threatening emergency-only for first responders to arrive at the wrong address, or worse, not arrive at all.

That is the reality of outdated 911 systems. Now, the FCC is taking decisive action to fix it.

A Seismic Shift: Communications Interoperability

The FCC's latest Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) aims to reshape Next Generation 911 (NG911).

If you are a 911 authority, public safety answering point (PSAP) or a decision-maker in emergency response, there is no time to waste. Compliance is not optional-it is coming, fast.

At the heart of this transformation? Interoperability.

911 Interagency Issues: Why NG911 Needs Interoperable Communications

Right now, when a 911 call transverses ESInets, it often runs into a communications bottleneck-outdated systems, incompatible formats, and a lack of standardized location data. These barriers delay response times when seconds matter most.

The FCC recognizes this failure. That's why the new NPRM mandates seamless, interoperable communications, ensuring 911 calls and location data flow across networks without translation delays.

And here's the key: The Civic Location Data Exchange Format (CLDXF) is the only NG911 data standard that meets the FCC's strict criteria for interoperability.

The Solution: 1Locate's Interop Address

For years, 1Spatial has been leading the charge for data-driven, location-based interoperability in emergency response. With 1Locate, NG911 gets the precise, standardized 911 addressing framework it needs to function flawlessly.

This isn't just theory. The FCC just validated our approach:

• Expanded Oversight: The FCC now classifies GIS, Location Validation Functions (LVFs), and Location Information Servers (LISs) as essential 911 services-making interop address technology a critical part of the NG911 framework.
• Stronger Location Accuracy Rules: New regulations demand dispatchable addresses, including floor-level data, to ensure emergency responders reach the right location, fast. 1Locate provides exactly that.

State & Local Authority Empowerment: For the first time, PSAPs and 911 authorities can certify their own compliance with reliability and interoperability standards-giving them more control over vendor selection.

Why PSAPs Must Act Now

Regulation isn't looming-it's here. And the FCC's NPRM makes one thing clear: The days of fragmented, unreliable emergency response systems are numbered.

By implementing 1Locate's interop address technology now, OSPs and 911 authorities can:

1. Ensure FCC Compliance before enforcement kicks in.
2. Eliminate Call Transfer Failures with a proven, standardized addressing framework.
3. Speed Up Emergency Response with pinpoint-accurate, interoperable location data.
4. Future-Proof Operations as NG911 becomes the nationwide standard.

The transition to NG911 is inevitable. The only question is whether your PSAP will be ahead of the curve-or struggling to catch up when enforcement begins.

The Bottom Line on Public Safety Interoperable Communications

The FCC has spoken: Interoperability isn't optional-it's required.

If you're a PSAP, emergency response leader, or public safety decision-maker, the time to act is now.

1Locate is ready to help you transition smoothly and seamlessly. Don't just meet the standard-set it.

Get in touch today. Because in 911 response, every second counts.