From the Dispatch Monthly Magazine ( http://www.911dispatch.com/2012/02/wireless-group-criticizes-fccs-text-to-911-plans/) In the wake of proposed rules by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to implement text-to-911 service, a wireless communications group says the FCC doesn’t have the legal authority to make the rules, and that SMS has significant limitations in reporting emergencies. The Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) submitted formal comments earlier this month raising the issues in response to proposed rules the FCC issued last September to quickly deploy text-to-911 services. The CTIA takes makes both legal and technical objections to the FCC’s proposals presented in a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) last year, but does acknowledge the “considerable” benefits of IP communications for those with hearing disabilities. The group says any interim NG911 solution should be “voluntary, collaborative (and) industry-drive,” rather than a mandated process focused on short-term goals. First, the CTIA claims the FCC does not currently have the authority to regulate SMS messaging, disputing the FCC’s claims that existing law provides the authority. The group picks apart the FCC’s specific claims of authority in the NPRM. The CTIA also raises specific technical concerns about SMS as a way to contact emergency services. “Wireless carriers, equipment manufacturers, and Public Safety entities all have highlighted numerous shortcomings of SMS-to-911 as an interim solution,” the CTIA wrote, and urged the FCC not mandate any interim text-to-911 solution based on SMS. The shortcoming includes possible transmission delays, the sender receives no acknowledgement of delivery and no intelligent routing. Download (pdf) the CTIA’s comments.
Among the technical objections the CTIA raised to the FCC’s text-to-911 plans are:
SMS does not support real-time communications with a PSAP, and there could be significant delays in message delivery to the PSAP. Indeed, segmented or concatenated SMS messages may not be delivered in order.
A sender of a SMS message receives no confirmation that the message was received by the intended recipient.
Current SMS standards do not support automated routing to the PSAP or automated location information.
Because SMS messaging is not a session-based protocol, a series of messages from the same user may be routed to different PSAPs.
Delays in message transmission could result in PSAPs receiving SMS messages that are out of date.
Voice calls to 9-1-1 enable the PSAP operator to ascertain information about the caller‘s current physical/emotional state and the severity of the emergency, information that is less easily ascertained through SMS messaging.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
APCO Intl launches new website
APCO International has launched a redesigned website. Take a look at http://www.apcointl.org/.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Southeast Region Homeland Security Council minutes posted
Minutes from meetings of the Southeast Region Homeland Security Council are now available at
http://www.ksapco.net/homeland_security.html
http://www.ksapco.net/homeland_security.html
HR3630 signed into law by President Obama
It is with great pleasure that I write to you today in recognition of the monumental achievement by APCO International’s members and supporters. Last night, President Obama signed in to law H.R. 3630; Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012. Title VI of the legislation creates a nationwide interoperable public safety broadband network (PSBN) that will revolutionize the way we do our work for years to come.
Working together with the Public Safety Alliance and our partners in the industry and the Big 7 state and local government associations, APCO International’s members achieved something many had claimed to be impossible. Against all odds and countless obstacles, we succeeded in getting legislation enacted last night that allocates D Block spectrum to public safety, provides $7 billion in funding, and establishes a governing body that will ensure the build out of a nationwide interoperable public safety broadband network.
In addition, the legislation goes a long way in advancing next generation 9-1-1 services by providing $115 million in grants to upgrade our 9-1-1 infrastructure to technologies that will make it possible for Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP) to receive not only voice 9-1-1 calls, but also text, video, data, and images. The 9-1-1 grants can be used for the implementation and operation of 9-1-1, E 9-1-1, migration to IP-enabled emergency network, adoption and operation of NG 9-1-1 services, and training of public safety communications personnel.
We are truly at the nexus of realizing the benefits that advanced communications technology has to offer to better serve and protect our communities. Today, I am proud to say we made history and it is my belief that we changed public safety communications forever.
We have a lot to celebrate today, but above all we need to celebrate APCO’s leadership in advancing public safety issues in our nation’s capital.
Thank you for your service and support of APCO International.
Sincerely,
Gregg Riddle
President, APCO International
Working together with the Public Safety Alliance and our partners in the industry and the Big 7 state and local government associations, APCO International’s members achieved something many had claimed to be impossible. Against all odds and countless obstacles, we succeeded in getting legislation enacted last night that allocates D Block spectrum to public safety, provides $7 billion in funding, and establishes a governing body that will ensure the build out of a nationwide interoperable public safety broadband network.
In addition, the legislation goes a long way in advancing next generation 9-1-1 services by providing $115 million in grants to upgrade our 9-1-1 infrastructure to technologies that will make it possible for Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP) to receive not only voice 9-1-1 calls, but also text, video, data, and images. The 9-1-1 grants can be used for the implementation and operation of 9-1-1, E 9-1-1, migration to IP-enabled emergency network, adoption and operation of NG 9-1-1 services, and training of public safety communications personnel.
We are truly at the nexus of realizing the benefits that advanced communications technology has to offer to better serve and protect our communities. Today, I am proud to say we made history and it is my belief that we changed public safety communications forever.
We have a lot to celebrate today, but above all we need to celebrate APCO’s leadership in advancing public safety issues in our nation’s capital.
Thank you for your service and support of APCO International.
Sincerely,
Gregg Riddle
President, APCO International
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
APCO Applauds Congress on a Bipartisan Compromise to Provide Public Safety with the Spectrum, Funding and Authority to Launch a Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network
APCO INTERNATIONAL, WASHINGTON, D.C. – As part of a major legislative package for the extension of payroll tax relief and unemployment benefits, House and Senate conferees have come to an agreement that will provide public safety with the spectrum, funding and authority necessary to launch a long overdue nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network. While other legislative details of the larger package remain to be worked out, negotiators have signaled agreement on the allocation of D Block to public safety and related funding and governance provisions.
“APCO International thanks our congressional supporters on both sides of the aisle in both chambers of Congress for their dedication to responsibly achieving the build out of a Public Safety Broadband Network and in supporting Next Generation 9-1-1 technologies,” said Gregg Riddle, APCO International President. “We pledge our full cooperation in the implementation of this legislation for the betterment of our nation’s security and look forward to working with these dedicated congressional leaders in the future on important legislation to public safety and the citizens we serve.”
APCO specifically applauds the tireless dedication on this issue of Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Chairman John D. Rockefeller, IV (D-WV) and Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) and House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI6), Subcommittee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR2) and Ranking Members Henry Waxman (D-CA30) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA14).
“This is a momentous legislative achievement for our first responders and the citizens they serve with credit going to the Commerce Committee leadership in both the House and Senate and extending as well to the unwavering support of the Homeland Security Committee leadership in both chambers, the Obama Administration, the Federal Communications Commission, the nation’s governors, state legislators, state chief information officers, county executives, mayors and the police, sheriff, fire, emergency medical service and 9-1-1 communications professionals throughout the country,” said Richard Mirgon, APCO International Past President and liaison to the Public Safety Alliance. “This compromise is a victory for the citizens of the United States that will enhance mission-critical communications in a flexible and responsible way that supports nationwide interoperability and efficient use of available spectrum.”
Based on the details available at press time, the bipartisan compromise provides for the allocation of D Block to public safety to be governed through an independent board under the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), funding of $7 billion for the build out of the network to come from proceeds of incentive auctions of spectrum, and the eventual give-back of spectrum in the 470-512 MHz or T-Band on a projected 11-year timetable for clearance of the channels with the costs supported for the relocation of these licensees. The legislation also includes funding for Next Generation 9-1-1 technologies.
“APCO International thanks our congressional supporters on both sides of the aisle in both chambers of Congress for their dedication to responsibly achieving the build out of a Public Safety Broadband Network and in supporting Next Generation 9-1-1 technologies,” said Gregg Riddle, APCO International President. “We pledge our full cooperation in the implementation of this legislation for the betterment of our nation’s security and look forward to working with these dedicated congressional leaders in the future on important legislation to public safety and the citizens we serve.”
APCO specifically applauds the tireless dedication on this issue of Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Chairman John D. Rockefeller, IV (D-WV) and Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) and House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI6), Subcommittee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR2) and Ranking Members Henry Waxman (D-CA30) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA14).
“This is a momentous legislative achievement for our first responders and the citizens they serve with credit going to the Commerce Committee leadership in both the House and Senate and extending as well to the unwavering support of the Homeland Security Committee leadership in both chambers, the Obama Administration, the Federal Communications Commission, the nation’s governors, state legislators, state chief information officers, county executives, mayors and the police, sheriff, fire, emergency medical service and 9-1-1 communications professionals throughout the country,” said Richard Mirgon, APCO International Past President and liaison to the Public Safety Alliance. “This compromise is a victory for the citizens of the United States that will enhance mission-critical communications in a flexible and responsible way that supports nationwide interoperability and efficient use of available spectrum.”
Based on the details available at press time, the bipartisan compromise provides for the allocation of D Block to public safety to be governed through an independent board under the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), funding of $7 billion for the build out of the network to come from proceeds of incentive auctions of spectrum, and the eventual give-back of spectrum in the 470-512 MHz or T-Band on a projected 11-year timetable for clearance of the channels with the costs supported for the relocation of these licensees. The legislation also includes funding for Next Generation 9-1-1 technologies.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
February MCS Newsletter available
The February "Member and Chapter Services" newsletter is now available on the KSAPCO website at http://www.ksapco.net/newsletter.html.
Basic TERT/TERT Team Leader classes offered
Once again at the Spring Conference, the Basic TERT and TERT Team Leader classes will be offered. Please note the dates of the classes. For more information, visit the website at http://www.ksapco.net/.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
January KCJIS Meeting Minutes posted
The January meeting minutes for the KCJIS Committee have been posted on the KSAPCO Website. You can view them at http://www.ksapco.net/kcjis.html.
Senate Bill introduced to "clean up" the 911 Act
Michelle Abbott, KSAPCO Legislative Chair, Please note below information from Chairman Walt Way.
Several clarifications are needed to the 911 Act and that a bill would be introduced in the Senate in the near future to address those needs. Senate Bill No. 384 was introduced in the Senate on February 6th and referred to the Committee on Utilities on February 7th . This bill is scheduled for a hearing before that Committee on February 14th.
The clean-up items are summarized as follows:
1. To clarify the definition of “Subscriber Account” to address the issue of how many 10 digit access numbers behind a multi-line telephone system switch or equivalent service will be assessed the 911 Fee. There were some varying interpretations as to whether the 911 Fee should assessed on all 10 digit phone numbers served by such a switch or on the outbou nd talkpaths serving that switch. The recommended language in the bill supports assessment of the 911 Fee on the outbound talkpaths serving the switch as that is the actual limit of how many concurrent 911 calls could be made by the 10 digit phone numbers served by the switch.
2. Since we introduced the term “Multi-line telephone system” in the above definition, we are adding that as a definition in the statute.
3. A request was made by the Governor’s Appointments Secretary to have staggered terms for the 911 Coordinating Council members in order to reduce the impact of having to process 26 appointments at the same time every three years. The proposed language in the bill modifies existing terms of members to address this request.
4. The last modification addresses the method of distributing prepaid wireless 911 fees that exceed $2,000,000 in a year. We learned from discussions with KDOR that they do not collect jurisdiction spe cific information with the various sales taxes collected by retailers and would be unable to identify where these fees are collected so the LCPA could remit to the appropriate PSAPs. The proposed language would direct the distribution of the fees in excess of the $2 million threshold to “counties in an amount proportional to each county’s population as a percentage of the population of the state”.
I plan on submitting testimony in behalf of the 911 Coordinating Council to support this bill. If you have any concerns or questions about this bill, please contact me. If you are supportive of this bill, please let me know.
Thanks.
Walt Way
Several clarifications are needed to the 911 Act and that a bill would be introduced in the Senate in the near future to address those needs. Senate Bill No. 384 was introduced in the Senate on February 6th and referred to the Committee on Utilities on February 7th . This bill is scheduled for a hearing before that Committee on February 14th.
The clean-up items are summarized as follows:
1. To clarify the definition of “Subscriber Account” to address the issue of how many 10 digit access numbers behind a multi-line telephone system switch or equivalent service will be assessed the 911 Fee. There were some varying interpretations as to whether the 911 Fee should assessed on all 10 digit phone numbers served by such a switch or on the outbou nd talkpaths serving that switch. The recommended language in the bill supports assessment of the 911 Fee on the outbound talkpaths serving the switch as that is the actual limit of how many concurrent 911 calls could be made by the 10 digit phone numbers served by the switch.
2. Since we introduced the term “Multi-line telephone system” in the above definition, we are adding that as a definition in the statute.
3. A request was made by the Governor’s Appointments Secretary to have staggered terms for the 911 Coordinating Council members in order to reduce the impact of having to process 26 appointments at the same time every three years. The proposed language in the bill modifies existing terms of members to address this request.
4. The last modification addresses the method of distributing prepaid wireless 911 fees that exceed $2,000,000 in a year. We learned from discussions with KDOR that they do not collect jurisdiction spe cific information with the various sales taxes collected by retailers and would be unable to identify where these fees are collected so the LCPA could remit to the appropriate PSAPs. The proposed language would direct the distribution of the fees in excess of the $2 million threshold to “counties in an amount proportional to each county’s population as a percentage of the population of the state”.
I plan on submitting testimony in behalf of the 911 Coordinating Council to support this bill. If you have any concerns or questions about this bill, please contact me. If you are supportive of this bill, please let me know.
Thanks.
Walt Way
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Needed updates made to webpage
After the much needed addition of new information and features to the Kansas APCO website, it became somewhat difficult to navigate and find what was needed. Therefore, the website has been completely overhauled.
Because of the changes, some of the links in the News/Blog section may not work. Not to worry, the information is still there...just in a different location or format.
For information on the 911 Coordinating Council, PSAP Reporting Requirements, and other SB50 changes, visit the new "911 Coordinating Council" tab on the home page or at http://www.ksapco.net/911_Council.html.
Regional Homeland Security Council minutes can be found under the "Homeland Security" tab on the home page or at http://www.ksapco.net/homeland_security.html.
KCJIS Committee minutes can be found under the "KCJIS" tab on the homepage or at http://www.ksapco.net/kcjis.html.
There is a new tab on the menu bar for Member and Chapter Services Newsletters, or they can be found at http://www.ksapco.net/newsletter.html.
And, were gearing up for the Spring Conference in Hutchinson. The conference pages are unchanged, so register now at http://www.ksapco.net/spring.html.
A Site Map has been added at http://www.ksapco.net/sitemap.html.
And if there is anything that has been missed or you find broken links, never hesitate to contact the webmaster at bjtracy@co.sumner.ks.us.
Because of the changes, some of the links in the News/Blog section may not work. Not to worry, the information is still there...just in a different location or format.
For information on the 911 Coordinating Council, PSAP Reporting Requirements, and other SB50 changes, visit the new "911 Coordinating Council" tab on the home page or at http://www.ksapco.net/911_Council.html.
Regional Homeland Security Council minutes can be found under the "Homeland Security" tab on the home page or at http://www.ksapco.net/homeland_security.html.
KCJIS Committee minutes can be found under the "KCJIS" tab on the homepage or at http://www.ksapco.net/kcjis.html.
There is a new tab on the menu bar for Member and Chapter Services Newsletters, or they can be found at http://www.ksapco.net/newsletter.html.
And, were gearing up for the Spring Conference in Hutchinson. The conference pages are unchanged, so register now at http://www.ksapco.net/spring.html.
A Site Map has been added at http://www.ksapco.net/sitemap.html.
And if there is anything that has been missed or you find broken links, never hesitate to contact the webmaster at bjtracy@co.sumner.ks.us.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
911 Coordinating Council info posted
Information on the 911 Coordinating Council has been posted to the website at http://www.ksapco.net/committees.html. Minutes from their last meeting, as well as their 2012 Workplan and 2012 Budget is available.
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