The 9-1-1 emergency service could soon be expanded to include text, photo, and video options.
The changes were recommended in the National Broadband Plan, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is accepting public inquiry on the possible switch. The FCC is scheduled to meet on the proposed changes on Dec. 21, according to an FCC document released Nov. 30.
The transition “would revolutionize 9-1-1 service by enabling the public and 9-1-1 call centers to harness the lifesaving potential of text, photo, and video in emergencies,” the document states.
“If you find yourself in an emergency situation and want to send a text for help, you can pretty much text anyone EXCEPT a 9-1-1 call center,” said FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski on Nov. 23, in prepared remarks.
Genachowski said the updated services will help improve situational awareness of law enforcement, and will give individuals more options when calling in an emergency.
“Next-Generation 9-1-1 will allow a caller to transmit a photo of a car leaving the scene of an armed robbery,” Genachowski said, adding it will “enable a deaf person to communicate with an emergency call center by sending text messages” and “will enable emergency calls to be placed by devices, rather than human beings.”
The changes were recommended in the National Broadband Plan, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is accepting public inquiry on the possible switch. The FCC is scheduled to meet on the proposed changes on Dec. 21, according to an FCC document released Nov. 30.
The transition “would revolutionize 9-1-1 service by enabling the public and 9-1-1 call centers to harness the lifesaving potential of text, photo, and video in emergencies,” the document states.
“If you find yourself in an emergency situation and want to send a text for help, you can pretty much text anyone EXCEPT a 9-1-1 call center,” said FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski on Nov. 23, in prepared remarks.
Genachowski said the updated services will help improve situational awareness of law enforcement, and will give individuals more options when calling in an emergency.
“Next-Generation 9-1-1 will allow a caller to transmit a photo of a car leaving the scene of an armed robbery,” Genachowski said, adding it will “enable a deaf person to communicate with an emergency call center by sending text messages” and “will enable emergency calls to be placed by devices, rather than human beings.”
