"We are committed to enhancing public safety in Texas through reliable access to emergency telecommunications services. Implementing NG 9-1-1 will enable public safety answering points to communicate with the most advanced technologies used by the public," said CSEC Executive Director Paul Mallett. "This transition will be a tremendous step in continuing to fulfill our mission."
The NG9-1-1 Master Plan will chart the course of the Commission in its migration to NG9-1-1, which is an extensive, multi-year effort. The preliminary stages include obtaining information to help convert Texas public safety answering points (PSAPs) from the current analog system to a future digital system, using a phased approach. The first phase, awarded to Kimball, includes statewide needs assessments, identification of network design options, and developing overall cost estimates.
Implementing NG 9-1-1 will provide Texas PSAPs with new and improved means of communication including the ability to support new sources of audio, video, text and telematics provided by the devices used by 9-1-1 callers. It may also facilitate greater information sharing for a more coordinated 9-1-1 approach that involves multiple agencies as well as the delivery of faster response times.
CSEC is the agency in the State of Texas charged with oversight of the state's 9-1-1 program and administration of the Poison Control network. It consists of 12 commission members representing various public sector interests in the intergovernmental provision of emergency communications to the public.