"NG9-1-1"
9-1-1 Upgrade to Allow Texts, Images
September 11, 2010Calltakers at 9-1-1 centers across the nation are seeing more and more cases of people trying to text, tweet and Facebook their emergency calls. Tennessee will be one of the first states in the nation to roll out a statewide, digital 911 system that will allow text messages, photos and videos from cell phones, but it won’t be available for 12 to 18 months.
Read full articleExpectations of Emergency Response for Tweets & Status Updates
August 12, 2010The American Red Cross released the results of an online survey of 1,058 adults asking about their use of social media sites in emergency situations. It turns out that many Web users would turn to social media (e.g., Facebook or Twitter) to get help—and they expect emergency personnel to respond.
Read full articleNG9-1-1: Challenges of Mobile Alarm Devices
August 11, 2010Devices designed to automatically signal for help have been available for years. Many of them are programmed to dial a private call center or alarm company that in turn notifies the appropriate PSAP that emergency response is needed. Some devices dial 9-1-1 directly. But until recently, these autodial devices or alarms primarily reported only a fixed, registered location for the person needing assistance.
Read full articleDenver 9-1-1 Selects NG9-1-1 Call Processing Solution, VESTA, from PlantCML
July 27, 2010Denver 9-1-1 recently replaced its emergency 9-1-1 equipment with the next generation call processing solution, VESTA, from PlantCML. This mission-critical communications solution will allow Denver 9-1-1 to provide unparalleled calltaking services to the region’s customers and first responders.
Read full articleNG9-1-1: Why Move Forward?
July 1, 2010In light of current economic challenges, many PSAPs and municipalities are wrestling with when they should start planning for Next Generation 9-1-1. Implementing new systems is potentially costly, and justifying the expense and planning time is often difficult. So we must ask, “What’s really in it for me?” Let’s examine some components and tangible short-term benefits.
Read full articleNG9-1-1: Call Routing & Location Validation
June 1, 2010Last month, we discussed the significant changes involved in implementing NG9-1-1 systems, including the difference between implementing IP capability and the NENA i3 specification. Although IP capability is a major and necessary step in the right direction, this backbone is only one step. Understanding how 9-1-1 calls find their way to your PSAP and how locations are deemed valid is the next step.
Read full articleNG9-1-1: Navigating Unfamiliar Territory
May 1, 2010During the past several months many of those who work in the public and private sectors of the 9-1-1 industry have engaged in discussions about Next Generation 9-1-1. For many, these discussions have been more confusing than enlightening. Here I address the use of the term NG9-1-1 and provide a better explanation of where we’re going from here.
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