Posts From APCO International
FCC Takes Action on Automatic Location Accuracy Requirements for 9-1-1 Calls
July 12, 2011APCO International applauds the FCC for moving forward to strengthen and consolidate its automatic location accuracy requirements for cellular 9-1-1 calls in today’s Report and Order and Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on 9-1-1 issues.
Read full articleURGENT: Immediate Action Is Needed on the D Block
June 23, 2011I need your help to call, e-mail and write Congressional Representative(s) to request them to support the allocation of D Block and funding to build out a state-of-the-art nationwide broadband network for first responders.
Read full articleAPCO President Bill Carrow Responds to Milestone for Rockefeller-Hutchison Public Safety Bill
June 9, 2011On June 8, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation voted on and passed S. 911, The Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Broadband Act of 2011. The legislation will now go to the full Senate for debate. Read the response from APCO International President Bill Carrow on the latest developments.
Read full articleManaging Your Own Emergency
June 2, 2011In a world where technology affects almost everything we do, we must ask how it’s improving our lives and creating challenges. Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) and IP-based emergency communications will eventually allow us to process calls more effectively, receive vast amounts of data and share functions between PSAPs. But NG9-1-1 does not provide a venue for setting realistic expectations for a public that may already rely too heavily on technology.
Read full articleA Letter from APCO President Bill Carrow Remembering Art McDole
May 15, 2011The following letter was sent by APCO International President Bill Carrow to the Northern California Chapter of APCO President Angela M. Azevedo regarding the passing of long-time APCO member Art McDole. It was read aloud at a memorial service for McDole on May 14 at Northminster Presbyterian Church.
Read full articleWhat ‘Location’ Means
May 12, 2011Discussions on Next Generation 9-1-1 often include the topic of location. Many aspects must be considered to ensure we’re all on the same page with regard to what location truly means. The increase in multi-line phone system, mobile device and Voice over Internet Protocol usage has made 9-1-1 location acquisition much more complex. In this article, we’ll review the basics of Enhanced 9-1-1 location, and issues currently creating confusion, which may continue with NG9-1-1 if not addressed.
Read full articleAPCO International Announces Recipients of Public Safety Leadership Awards
May 10, 2011Daytona Beach, FL—May 10, 2011— APCO International has announced the recipients of the 2011 Public Safety Leadership in Policy Awards…
Read full articleWhere’s the Money?
March 31, 2011Much of what Congress, the FCC and other federal agencies attempt to do in the realm of public safety telecommunications policy is to promote efficiency and enhanced capabilities, such as interoperability, broadband radio communications and NG9-1-1. In the private sector, these goals would be pursued in the interest of profits, potentially opening the door to capital investments to turn the goals into reality. The government sector obviously lacks a profit motive and must appropriate funds purely on the basis of improving the public good. That simple reality sometimes gets lost when telecommunications policy is being made.
Read full articleDisaster Operations and the Communications Center
March 24, 2011The APCO Institute now offers a course, Disaster Operations and the Communications Center. Available both online and in classroom, this course is a great opportunity for telecommunicators. The next online course begins May 4.
Read full articleArkansas 9-1-1 Dispatchers Get Minimum Training Signed into Law
March 23, 2011Although many cities, counties and agencies in Arkansas provide training for 9-1-1 telecommunicators, there is not a state requirement. But that is beinging to change: HB1741 will be signed by the governor today. Although it is not mandatory, it will make training available through the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy.
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