Blue Ribbon Panel on 9-1-1 Funding
Friday, January 6, 2012  The National 9-1-1 Program is interested in funding a project to conduct a Blue Ribbon Panel on 9-1-1 Funding.  The Panel was recommended by Working Group 4B of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC’s) Communications Security, Reliability and Interoperability Council (CSRIC), a formal FCC advisory group whose report to the FCC was delivered in March of 2011.  The primary objective of this project is to utilize stakeholder input to complete a document containing options for local, State and national 9-1-1 funding and oversight models, specifically developed by an organization with expertise in economics. 

Multiple organizations both public and private have produced reports stating the deficiencies of current models in providing adequate funding and oversight for the provision of 9-1-1 services.  Present methods of funding 9-1-1 systems vary widely, are shifting as the public’s methods of communication evolve, and are challenged by a variety of other factors, including inequity in collections across types of telecommunication service, collection challenges with services such as prepaid wireless, auditing issues, and diversion of funds for non-9-1-1 purposes.  While there is no consensus on how to fund and/or oversee 9-1-1 services, there is agreement that the transition to the Next Generation of 9-1-1 will require the development of new funding models.  As stated in the 4B report, “Without implementation of new funding models to provide an adequate alternate and additional source of revenue for NG9‑1‑1 systems, the transition period to NG9‑1‑1 will be protracted and compromised, service to our citizens will be jeopardized, and Public Safety’s ability to keep pace with technological developments will be hampered.” 

NHTSA would like to answer the following questions: What funding and oversight models currently exist for 9-1-1 services at the local, State and national levels?
What is the contractor’s economic analysis of current funding and oversight models?
Are current funding and oversight models or portions of current models adaptable as 9-1-1 services migrate to NG9-1-1?
What economic principles and/or theories should be applied in developing funding and oversight models for local, State and national 9-1-1 authorities?
Are there examples of other funding and oversight models from other public or private entities that could be adopted or adapted for us by 9-1-1 services?
Given the current status of 9-1-1 nationwide and the goal of migrating to NG9-1-1, which models show promise in providing consistent funding and oversight in the provision of 9-1-1 services?

Entities interested in participating in this project can click here for more information.

Immediate Past President Steve O’Conor Resigns from NENA Executive Board
Wednesday, November 2, 2011  Posted by: Chris NussmanNENA President Rick Galway recently announced that Immediate Past President Steve O’Conor has accepted a job in the private sector and, in accordance with NENA’s bylaws, resigned from the Executive Board. “On behalf of the Executive Board, I thank Steve for his exemplary service to NENA,” said Galway. “He has been a valuable asset to the association for many years – first as a committee volunteer, then as a committee leader, and, most recently, on the Executive Board. I wish him the best in his new position and look forward to his continued involvement in other NENA activities.” O’Conor will remain as Chair of the Publications Committee. 

Article IV Section 2 of NENA’s bylaws states that, “[Executive Board] Officers may derive no more than 15% of their income from commercial activity connected in any way to the 9-1-1 industry.” The position of Immediate Past President will remain vacant until June of 2012 when President Galway assumes that office.