Apr 8, 2004 12:00 PM

The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) this week launched a “call to action” for its members to support passage of S1250, which calls for as much as $500 million annually in matching grants to pay for upgrades to the 911 systems administered by state and local governments.

“The time for action on this bill is way overdue,” APCO International President Vincent Stile said in a prepared statement. The bill, which also would penalize entities that divert E911 funds for other purposes, has not been scheduled for a vote on the Senate floor.

Separately, the National Emergency Number Association has issued an open letter and position paper in support of a “blueprint” for the advancement of Internet-based service offerings for 911.

“A common vision, migratory path, and public policy framework is needed to know not only what is possible in [voice over IP] and 9-1-1, but equally what is improbable, and even unacceptable to all parties as we go forward in this critical endeavor” said Roger Hixson, NENA’s technical issues director, in a prepared statement.

NENA has adopted the following core principles for Internet Protocol Services and Applications for 911: · Establish a National E911 VoIP Policy · Encourage Vendor and Technology Neutral Solutions and Innovation · Retain Consumer Service Quality Expectations · Support Dynamic, Flexible, Open Architecture System Design Process for 911 · Develop Policies for 911 Compatible with the Commercial Environment for IP Communications · Promote a Fully Funded 911 System

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