FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Don Brittingham, Vice Chair, iCERT
Office: (202) 515-2477
Mobile: (410) 598-8678
www.ng911now.org
info@ng911now.org
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (June 13, 2016)— The NG911 NOW Coalition released a report which is an important step in achieving its goal of implementing Next Generation 911 (NG911) services nationwide by the end of 2020. This report – “NG911 Gap Analyses and Recommended Strategies” – identifies the impediments to rapid and ubiquitous NG911 deployment, and recommends potential strategies to removing those impediments.
Leveraging the knowledge and experience of experts from the public safety community and industry, the Coalition conducted a comprehensive assessment of those issues that have impeded more timely NG911 deployment, including issues in the areas of governance, funding, technology, operations, and education. Identified issues were prioritized, and specific strategies were recommended for addressing those with the highest priority. Ultimately, these strategies will form the basis of a comprehensive National Action Plan for NG911 Implementation, which is expected in the coming months.
A critical component of this National Action Plan is a legislative initiative designed to increase national and state-level NG911 leadership and support for accelerated NG911 deployment. This includes a model regulatory framework to facilitate coordination among local 911 authorities, state executive and legislative leadership, and state regulators, and the development of a new grant program that would provide additional funding resources for NG911.
NG911 will enhance the 911 system to create a faster, more flexible, resilient, and scalable system that allows 911 to keep up with communication technologies used by the public.
“It is vitally important to the safety and security of the nation and its citizens that the nation’s 911 systems keep pace with advancing technology,” said Brian Fontes, CEO of the National Emergency Number Association. “The ongoing efforts of the Coalition to accelerate these services throughout the nation are an important step forward in achieving that goal.”
"State governments play a vitally important role in facilitating the deployment of NG911. The state governance, regulatory, statutory, funding, technical and operational, and educational aspects of successful deployment must be addressed at the state level," said Evelyn Bailey, NASNA's executive director. "The states that have made the most progress are those that have addressed these matters. The combined efforts of the Coalition partners will help the remaining states to step up the pace."
"Industry and the public sector are united in their efforts to achieve the Coalition's goals," remarked iCERT Executive Director, George Rice. "Support of the emergency calling system represents one of our nation's most successful public-private partnerships, and through this ongoing and robust partnership we will ensure the viability of 911, now and into the future."
In addition to legislation that addresses critical governance and funding issues, the Coalition’s efforts in the coming months will focus on implementing an educational awareness campaign that highlights the many benefits of NG911 and broadening its outreach to policymakers and affected stakeholders. The Coalition invites those interested in accelerating NG911 to join in its efforts.
The NG911 Now Coalition was established by the National Association of State 911 Administrators (NASNA), the National Emergency Number Association (NENA), and the Industry Council for Emergency Response Technologies (iCERT), and is aided by experts in the federal government and academia. The mission of the Coalition is to promote an accelerated implementation of NG911 throughout the nation.
For more information on the NG911 NOW Coalition or to become a supporter of the Coalition’s efforts visit: www.911NOW.org
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About the National Association of State 911 Administrators (NASNA)
The purpose of the National Association of State 911 Administrators is to promote information sharing among states with programs dedicated to implementing 911 emergency telephone systems. NASNA assists states with resolving issues necessary to accomplish statewide implementation and maintenance of their 911 systems, along with helping to identify and recommend minimum standards for 911.
Find out more at www.nasna911.org.
About the Industry Council for Emergency Response Technologies (iCERT or Industry Council)
The Industry Council for Emergency Response Technologies 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.
About the National Emergency Number Association (NENA)
NENA serves the public safety community as the only professional organization solely focused on 911 policy, technology, operations, and education issues. With more than 10,000 members in 48 chapters across the United States and around the globe, NENA promotes the implementation and awareness of 911 and international three-digit emergency communications systems. NENA works with public policy leaders, emergency services and telecommunications industry partners, like-minded public safety associations, and other stakeholder groups to develop and carry out critical programs and initiatives, to facilitate the creation of an IP-based Next Generation 911 system, and to establish industry leading standards, training, and certifications.
Find out more at www.nena.org.