By allowing the funding source to expire, the state runs the risk of denying Ohio's citizens of the ability to use a cell phone to call 9-1-1 from anywhere at anytime. Existing systems purchased, deployed and upgraded over the last decade will degrade. Any county where wireless E9-1-1 service is pending will have no funding to upgrade their systems to automatically locate wireless 9-1-1 callers. In addition, many counties may not be able to generate enough funding through other means to continue to pay the phone companies to support wireless E9-1-1 service.
"To be clear, this is about being able to call 9-1-1 from a cell phone in Ohio," said Jeff Robertson, executive director of the 9-1-1 Industry Alliance. "All Ohioans should have equal access to emergency 9-1-1 services no matter where they live, work, or go to school. If the sunset provision remains, a citizen's wireless 9-1-1 call might be answered, but unless you are able to speak and provide your location, emergency responders may be unable to find you."
For the full meeting agenda and a list of Ohio 9-1-1 Council and Advisory Board members, including county 9-1-1 coordinators and representatives from AT&T, Cincinnati Bell, Cingular Wireless and Verizon Wireless, please visit: http://www.puco.ohio.gov/Puco/IndustryTopics/Topic.cfm?id=6390&navitem =leftsidebar (Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.).
About APCO
The Association of Public Safety Communications Officials International (APCO) is the world's oldest and largest professional organization dedicated to the enhancement of public safety communications. www.apcointl.org
About NENA
The National Emergency Number Association (NENA) mission is to foster the technological advancement, and implementation of a universal emergency telephone system. In carrying out its mission NENA promotes research, planning, training, and education. The protection of human life, the preservation of property and the maintenance of general community security are among NENA's objectives. www.nena.org
About the 9-1-1 Industry Alliance
The 9-1-1 Industry Alliance ("9IA") was established in December 2005 by a group of prominent industry leaders. The vision of the organization's founders is that 9IA will play an important role as the voice of industry companies on major public policy issues, and that the expertise of industry leaders can assist public policymakers and government emergency communications professionals as complex choices are made regarding advanced 9-1-1 alternatives in the years ahead. www.911alliance.org
