New iCERT study seeks answers to funding questions for next-gen 911 transition
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New iCERT study seeks answers to funding questions for next-gen 911 transition
Already, a few patterns have emerged, including a common obstacle for progress on the state level.
“Most of the states are early, early, early in the planning stages or even to the point that they can’t really begin planning, because the way the 911 services are mandated within a state is really at the local level and trying to develop a statewide plan at the local level is relatively difficult,” Magnussen said.
“So, in a number of states, legislation would be required to, in essence, make this somebody’s job. With a few of the states we’ve talked to so far, there really isn’t a mandate for any one agency to take the lead on this, which makes it challenging for anyone to kind of jump up until they really have the ability and authority to do that.”
Other early findings include a belief that current 911 funding is insufficient for the transition to next-generation 911. There is also little coordination with other networks—for example, LMR and FirstNet systems—and a general sense that the transition will not occur anytime soon.
“There doesn’t seem to be a major sense of urgency on the transition right now,” Magnussen said. “There seems to be a belief that the existing E-911 system and the selective routers are going to be around for a long time.
“Unfortunately, what is also happening though—if you look at the most of the TDM equipment and everything that’s out there—the carriers have a strong desire to start shutting down those systems sooner rather than later.”