Alexandria, Va. — The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International supports Chairman Genachowski’s Notice of Inquiry seeking comment on transitioning from a voice only 9-1-1 system to a broadband-enabled, Next Generation 9-1-1 system that is better equipped to accommodate all channels of twenty-first century communication.

“Rapid changes in the telecommunications industry have provided both challenges and opportunities for 9-1-1 services in the United States,” said APCO President William Carrow after today’s open agenda meeting.  “It is critical that technical capabilities, standards, cost and operational impact are considered as we move to the next generation of 9-1-1 operations.”

An important lesson for Americans highlighted at today’s meeting is that in most cases, voice communication is the only way to reach a 9-1-1 operator.  “It is our hope that the Next Generation 9-1-1 Notice of Inquiry will lead to a world where individuals can send a text, email tweet, photo or video to 9-1-1 in a time of need” said President Carrow, “but a number of technical, regulatory, funding, and operational issues will need to be resolved and gradually implemented before Public Safety Answering Points are fully capable of handling today’s modern technology.”

About APCO International
APCO International is the world’s largest organization of public safety communications professionals. It serves the needs of public safety communications practitioners worldwide — and the welfare of the general public as a whole—by providing complete expertise, professional development, technical assistance, advocacy and outreach. For more information, visit www.apcointl.org.