CONTACT:
George Rice, Executive Director, iCERT
240-398-3065
www.ng911now.org
info@ng911now.org
COALITION APPLAUDS NG911 CAUCUS MEMBERS IN REQUESTING GAO REVIEW
Washington, D.C. (June 22, 2016) — Today, the NG911 NOW Coalition recognized and applauded Representatives Anna Eshoo (CA-18th) and Norma Torres (CA-35th) – Co-Chair and Member of the Congressional Next Generation 911 Caucus, respectively – in requesting that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) conduct a thorough review of the implementation of a nationwide Next Generation 911 system and provide an update on the status of this transition.
“The NG911 NOW Coalition strongly supports the leadership of Reps. Anna Eshoo and Norma Torres in requesting that the GAO conduct a comprehensive review of NG911 systems and the issues delaying NG911 deployment,” said George Rice, Executive Director of iCERT on behalf of the NG911 NOW Coalition.
“Accelerating the implementation of nationwide NG911 services is essential to keep up with modern technology, improve emergency services to the public, and provide a more reliable 911 system. The GAO’s findings will be an important tool to highlight what steps can be taken at all levels of government to meet the ambitious goal set by the NG911 NOW Coalition earlier this year - by the end of 2020, all 911 systems and centers in all 56 states and territories will have sufficiently funded, standards-based, end-to-end, IP-based 911 capabilities. We look forward to working with the GAO on this important effort.”
The NG911 Now Coalition was established by the National Association of State 911 Administrators (NASNA), the National Emergency Number Association (NENA), and the Industry Council for Emergency Response Technologies (iCERT), and is aided by experts in the federal government and academia. The mission of the Coalition is to promote an accelerated implementation of NG911 throughout the nation.
For more information on the NG911 NOW Coalition or to become a supporter of the Coalition’s efforts visit: www.911NOW.org.
###
About the National Association of State 911 Administrators (NASNA)
The purpose of the National Association of State 911 Administrators is to promote information sharing among states with programs dedicated to implementing 911 emergency telephone systems. NASNA assists states with resolving issues necessary to accomplish statewide implementation and maintenance of their 911 systems, along with helping to identify and recommend minimum standards for 911.
Find out more at www.nasna911.org.
About the Industry Council for Emergency Response Technologies (iCERT or Industry Council)
The Industry Council for Emergency Response Technologies is the voice of commercial enterprises in the field of critical communications. The Industry Council plays an important role in addressing public policy issues impacting the emergency calling, communications and response system. Industry Council members believe that business leaders’ expertise can assist public policymakers and agency professionals as they address complex choices regarding advanced communications technology alternatives. Through advocacy, research and in coordination with the public sector, the Industry Council plays a vital role in the development and deployment of emergency response technologies.
Find out more at www.theindustrycouncil.org.
About the National Emergency Number Association (NENA)
NENA serves the public safety community as the only professional organization solely focused on 911 policy, technology, operations, and education issues. With more than 10,000 members in 48 chapters across the United States and around the globe, NENA promotes the implementation and awareness of 911 and international three-digit emergency communications systems. NENA works with public policy leaders, emergency services and telecommunications industry partners, like-minded public safety associations, and other stakeholder groups to develop and carry out critical programs and initiatives, to facilitate the creation of an IP-based Next Generation 911 system, and to establish industry leading standards, training, and certifications.
Find out more at www.nena.org.