15 September 1999. Thanks to EC.
Associated Press, September 14, 1999
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The FBI reached a first-of-its-kind agreement enabling telecommunications companies to use computer software made by Nortel Networks to assist law enforcement agencies in conducting lawfully authorized wiretapping.
The agreement calls for Nortel, a major supplier of telecommunications equipment, to provide certain software to its carrier customers. Nortel will waive the license fees.
The 1994 Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act authorized $500 million for the purpose of reimbursing the telecommunications industry for its costs in cooperating with law enforcement agencies in wiretapping.
"Carriers can now begin taking steps to correct technological impediments within their networks that currently prevent law enforcement from being able to carry out court-ordered electronic surveillance directed at suspected criminals and terrorists,'' Attorney General Janet Reno said in a statement.
The telecommunication carrier Ameritech also is a party to the agreement. FBI Director Louis Freeh said the bureau is working toward finalizing similar reimbursement agreements with other carriers and manufacturers.