by ECC Editor | Oct 25, 2021 | Articles, Comm Center News
Almost every emergency response begins with a call to 911, and states have begun the process of modernizing the current outdated call-center answering infrastructure with a digital upgrade. NextGen 911 (NG911) is the modernization initiative states are implementing to better facilitate emergency response.
In the NG911 environment, the large telecom companies in charge of maintaining the 911 answering system (AT&T and Motorola) computerize the process, routing calls through an emergency services IP network (ESInet) instead of the currently used call centers. Ideally, computerizing the system reduces the likelihood that calls will go unanswered, either because a system is inundated with too much incoming network traffic or because the resources are not available to handle the calls. But defending a computerized system against cyberattacks is no simple task… READ MORE
by AllThingsECC.com | Oct 25, 2021 | Comm Center News
CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Motorola Solutions (NYSE: MSI) today announced that the company will modernize and expand the coverage of the existing nationwide TETRA network in Romania to provide the country’s public safety organizations with highly resilient and secure mission-critical communications.
As part of the seven year framework agreement awarded by the Romanian government’s Special Telecommunication Service, Motorola Solutions will install 800 TETRA (Terrestrial Trunked Radio) base stations across the country. The new digital radio technology will support all police, fire, ambulance and national security services with trusted, reliable communications that will enhance collaboration across front line teams as they serve and protect the country’s 21 million citizens every day…
by AllThingsECC.com | Oct 25, 2021 | Comm Center News
Here are the top stories today in Pawtucket:
- Rhode Island is suffering from a serious emergency dispatcher shortage. While the national average turnover rate for dispatcher positions is 15 to 20 percent, the regional dispatch center for Pawtucket and North Providence has had to replace about six of its 10 dispatchers in the past two years alone. Factors like a stressful work environment, low pay, and long hours have contributed to this labor shortage, and some employees only work as dispatchers until they can become police officers or firefighters. The regional center is prepared to invest over $44,000 this year to add another full-time dispatcher… READ MORE
by ECC Editor | Oct 25, 2021 | Comm Center News, Uncategorized
The issue of dispatch services in the city of Oconomowoc has been a topic of discussion for years, and now officials have decided to disband the local dispatch center at its public safety building in favor of a countywide option.
At an Oct. 19 meeting, the Oconomowoc Common Council voted 6-2 to transfer dispatch operations to the Waukesha County Communications Center. According to the motion, the transfer could be completed within six months or less, but an exact timetable was not set… READ MORE
by AllThingsECC.com | Oct 25, 2021 | Comm Center News
Both the Ottumwa City Council and Wapello County Board of Supervisors will receive a presentation for a new computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system that would tie in all the county’s emergency personnel together.
County emergency manager Tim Richmond, Ottumwa Police Department chief Chad Farrington and Wapello County Sheriff Don Phillips will make a presentation to the supervisors Tuesday morning, then later to the city council.
The system will offer an overhaul of the current system, which is at least 20 years old. Both the city and county have expressed the possibility of using American Rescue Plan funds to share in the cost, which would be about $500,000…
by ECC Editor | Oct 25, 2021 | Articles, Comm Center News, Uncategorized
Last week, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) entered into Consent Decrees with eight Covered 911 Service Providers for failing to timely file their required 911 reliability certification in 2020.
The Rules
As background, the FCC adopted rules in 2013 aimed at improving 911 network reliability. The rules require Covered 911 Service Providers (“Providers”) to take certain measures to provide reliable 911 service. The specific measures adopted by the agency attempt to address three network vulnerabilities identified by the FCC in the aftermath of the derecho storm that knocked out 911 service along the east coast in 2012… READ MORE
