For Immediate Release
Contact: Hillary Crowder Smith, 703-351-2086, [email protected]
Arlington, Va. (February 23, 2016)—NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association issued the following statement today from Senior Vice President of Policy Michael Romano regarding the launch of the NG911 NOW Coalition:
“NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association applauds the NG911 NOW Coalition for focusing on the resources needed to enable an important technology transition. NG911, as enabled by IP technology, offers the promise of more efficient and effective communication between citizens in need and Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs).
“Unfortunately, many small rural PSAPs face significant challenges to upgrading their systems; among them, the current 911 funding model is broken and ineffective at supporting existing services, let alone advanced capabilities. As a result, many remain behind the technological curve, some without basic access to E911 capabilities that are considered de facto standards in urban settings. As such, it makes little sense to mandate updates to carrier networks when local PSAPs may not be ready or able to employ next-generation IP technology for the foreseeable future.
“To resolve the technological divide between urban and rural PSAPs—and, moving forward, to ensure all operation centers have the opportunity to upgrade to NG911—NTCA has long advocated for an adequate and consistent technology and platform-agnostic 911 funding model. Given the ongoing importance of NG911 to the public’s health and safety, NTCA appreciates the coalition’s focus on this issue.”
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NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association is the premier association representing nearly 900 independent, community-based telecommunications companies that are leading innovation in rural and small-town America. NTCA advocates on behalf of its members in the legislative and regulatory arenas, and it provides training and development; publications and industry events; and an array of employee benefit programs. In an era of exploding technology, deregulation and marketplace competition, NTCA’s members are leading the IP evolution for rural consumers, delivering technologies that make rural communities vibrant places in which to live and do business. Because of their efforts, rural America is fertile ground for innovation in economic development and commerce, education, health care, government services, security and smart energy use. Visit us at www.ntca.org.