The APCO International Summit Meeting brought together the leadership from APCO International, the British Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (BAPCO), APCO Canada, and Australia/New Zealand APCO for the purpose of discussing international public-safety communications issues and forming consensus position statements.
The group reached consensus and formed position statements on the following issues:
- International Access to Emergency Services;
- Location-Based Service Providers;
- Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Use in Accessing Emergency Services;
- Future Radio Systems and Interoperability, and;
- Radio Spectrum.
International Access to Emergency Services
Current Status
With the ever increasing mobility of the world population it is important that travelers' access to emergency services in any country is easily achieved. Unfortunately, the access numbers for emergency services differ from country to country and even within countries.
Position
It is the position of APCO International that a visitor to any country should be able to use their known three-digit emergency access number on any telephone system throughout the world, including wireless. This should be enabled by the technology of the network involved.
In addition, APCO International believes there should be accurate location information provided with the call that adheres to a global standard.
Location-Based Service Providers
Current Status
Location-based technologies are now providing automatic information relating to commercial and private vehicle incidents, medical emergencies, and other situations requiring emergency response.
Position
It is the position of APCO International that location-based service providers delivering information to public safety agencies should do so in a timely, accurate, and consistent format. Mutually developed standards are essential and should be accepted by all providers.
Voice over Internet Protocal (VoIP) Use in Accessing Emergency Services
Current Status
The development of voice telephony using internet protocols is providing alternative methods of delivering emergency calls, but because of the technology involved it can cause severe public safety response problems.
Position
It is the position of APCO International that there should be more information available to the public as to the limitations of delivering emergency calls via IP technology. Any systems implemented should provide the same standard of service and location accuracy as obtained from other technologies such as line telephony or wireless telephony. In particular, it is imperative that the call is routed to the appropriate emergency access point.
Furthermore, it is incumbent upon the network providers to ensure the security of the network. In addition, before any IP provider is allowed to provide telephony services they must deliver the level of service indicated above.
Future Radio Systems and Interoperability
Current Status
Wireless technology is developing in many areas such as private mobile radio and public cellular systems which provides public safety agencies with a great degree of choice into the future.
There is a growing requirement for agencies to be able to speak with each other and exchange accurate data.
Position on Future Radio Systems
It is the position of APCO International that any radio systems deployed for public safety purposes must be able to provide the functionality and capacity needed to deliver the users' requirements including instant and priority access, reliability, security, and confidentiality.
Position on Interoperability
It is the position of APCO International that there must be an ability for public safety agencies and personnel to communicate with each other, on demand, in real time and when needed.
Radio Spectrum
Current Status on Radio Spectrum
The inadequate allocation of finite radio spectrum resources to public safety has been highlighted by 9/11 and subsequent events. Responsibilities and challenges now present require that public safety influences spectrum provisions to emergency services into the future.
There is an increasing use of data services and applications that will have a direct effect on radio spectrum requirements.
Position on Radio Spectrum
Radio spectrum allocation to public safety is essential and should be allocated on a priority basis now and into the future.
Common global radio spectrum allocation is required to maximize technological development and to meet ever increasing demands.
For more information see the report online.
The APCO International Summit Meeting was held November 1-3 at the Westin Bayshore Resort and Marina in Vancouver, British Columbia.
