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Governors Provide Blueprints for New Wireless 911 Services

To expedite E911 implementation

States that have developed innovative strategies implementing E911 have been recognized by a new report by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices.

A Federal Communications Commission (FCC) deadline requires wireless carriers to include location-tracking software in wireless handsets by 2006, yet many of the more than 6,000 state and local emergency call centers cannot use this valuable technology. The center's latest issue brief, "State Strategies for Accelerating Enhanced 9-1-1 Implementation," which was released recently at the FCC's third meeting of the Wireless E9-1-1 Coordination Initiative, highlights successful state efforts to implement and fund E911.

Several states -- California, Montana and Virginia, to name a few -- have developed strategies designed to expedite E911 implementation and have become models for other states trying to meet FCC goals and consumer needs. Approaches include designating a statewide coordinator; establishing a baseline of needed resources; identifying the most efficient funding opportunities; and providing education and training to state and local call centers and safety agencies.

In 2001, nearly a third of the nation's 150 million calls to 911 were dialed from a wireless phone. Within five years, a majority of Americans will use cellular phones for emergency calls. Currently when an emergency call is made from a cellular phone, callers must identify their location. With E911 technology, cellular calls are automatically directed to the nearest 911 call center, and the caller's geographic location is identified.

"Whether in the rural heartland or an urban center, the swift implementation of E911 is a critical homeland security priority," said NGA Executive Director Ray Scheppach. "Governors look forward to working side-by-side with local, regional and federal government officials to coordinate the deployment of this technology."

With $8 billion in estimated deployment costs, a successful E911 implementation requires upgrades in network infrastructure and new equipment, as well as proper training and education at all levels of the program.

"State leadership is essential for nationwide E911 deployment," said Erin Lee, senior policy analyst for the NGA Center's Homeland Security and Technology Division. "Highlighting those states with proven track records in implementing this new technology will help other states devise action plans to achieve E911 goals. The recommendations and examples in this guide will go a long way toward ensuring the safety of all Americans."