Government Technology

Funding Issues Threaten 9-1-1 Emergency Network


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February 29, 2008 By

On Wednesday, March 5, 2008, the 9-1-1 Industry Alliance (9IA) will present findings of a report it commissioned on the health of the 9-1-1 Emergency Network. The press conference will take place at the Washington Press Club, Lisagor Room at 8:30 a.m. EST.

The 9-1-1 Industry Alliance commissioned ColoComm Group, LLC, an independent research group widely recognized by federal and congressional groups as an expert in public safety, to study critical issues facing the aging 9-1-1 system. ColoComm Group conducted interviews of key public safety officials and policymakers nationwide to assess the limitations of the current 9-1-1 network; determine the impacts and underlying causes and recommend what steps to take to ensure that the 9-1-1 infrastructure remains viable for future generations.

The report found that a critical lack of funding has resulted in a gap between the types of communications devices people use and commercial network support today and those able to fully benefit from access to 9-1-1 services. To close this gap, responsible policymakers must have a viable funding strategy for accommodating and sustaining a migration to a next generation network. State policymakers must vigilantly deter 9-1-1 funding raids, and establish policies that promote healthy competition.

"The nation's 9-1-1 system as we know it is experiencing a massive funding shortfall," said the report's author and principle of ColoComm Group, Dale Hatfield. "Public policymakers must develop a plan to protect and augment 9-1-1 funding sources to ensure that 9-1-1 can continue to fulfill its critical mission of saving lives."

The report also found that the funding issues were directly related to the reluctance of state policymakers to accept and act upon the need to improve 9-1-1's capabilities. Such political will is needed to secure adequate funding, which in turn must be used to close the technological gap between citizen assumptions about 9-1-1 and its actual capabilities.

Additional findings and recommended next steps will be presented at the press conference. To hear recent 9-1-1 call audio and to learn more about 9IA, please visit http://www.911alliance.org/.


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