Industry Council Issues Report on America’s Readiness for Transition to NG911
Industry Council Issues Report on America’s Readiness for Transition to NG911
Washington, D.C., May 6, 2015 — The Industry Council for Emergency Response Technologies (iCERT) today announced the publication of a research report on America’s readiness for transition to Next Generation 911 (NG911) technologies.
This study is intended to provide public and private sector stakeholders with a clearer understanding of the current state of the nation’s transition from legacy 911 systems to NG911, based on financial, strategic, technological, and policy-related readiness, as well as present activities. The main takeaway from this study is that a sense of urgency is needed for initiating the strategic planning process toward NG911 transition in areas that have yet to begin. Through this effort, iCERT seeks to add clarity to issues affecting the nation’s emergency calling system and, thereby, help position it solidly for the future. Further, this report also provides insights helpful for the adoption of IP-based systems for three-digit emergency calling around the globe.
“This historic time in the emergency communications industry presents unique challenges as well as opportunities,” said iCERT Chairman Darrin Reilly, Chief Operating Officer of TriTech Software Systems. “In addition, the burgeoning development of a nationwide public safety broadband network, for data, video and eventually voice communications between and among first responders and emergency call centers, poses questions regarding myriad prospects of coordination, funding, resource sharing and interoperability yet to be fully explored. We trust this report will help initiate much of this much needed dialogue.”
“We engaged the Internet2 Technology Evaluation Center at Texas A&M University to conduct the research and evaluation that led to our publishing of this report and its findings,” noted iCERT Executive Director, George Rice. “Our partnership worked exceedingly well throughout this project, and we anticipate that we’ll have an ongoing affiliation with Dr. Walt Magnussen and his team at the University.”
The report is available for download pro bono from the iCERT web site at the link below.
# # #
About the Industry Council for Emergency Response Technologies (iCERT)
The Industry Council for Emergency Response Technologies (iCERT or the Industry Council) is the voice of commercial enterprises in the field of critical communications. The Industry Council plays an important role in addressing public policy issues impacting the emergency calling, communications and response system. Industry Council members believe that business leaders’ expertise can assist public policymakers and agency professionals as they address complex choices regarding advanced communications technology alternatives. Through advocacy, research and in coordination with the public sector, the Industry Council plays a vital role in the development and deployment of emergency response technologies.
Find out more at www.theindustrycouncil.org.
George S. Rice, Jr.
Executive Director
Industry Council for Emergency Response Technologies - iCERT
240-398-3065 (office)
+001 410 971 7332 (-5 hrs GMT)
www.theindustrycouncil.org