Colorado making strides toward next generation 911
In Colorado, 101 emergency call centers are funded in part by the Emergency Telephone Surcharge. The state is currently working to supplement the surcharge funding to build out an NG911 network, and has taken efforts to modernize both its 911 network as well as its emergency call centers/public safety answering points (PSAPS) to support the transition. Last year, the state conducted a study with the assistance of Mission Critical Partners to provide a review of the current system as well as recommendations for the future. The study was presented at the 2012 Issues Summit earlier this year. As of now, the state’s steering committee has set up working groups to provide guidance for NG911. The working groups include the Technical Architecture Working Group, Operational Business Model Working Group, and the Regulatory and Legislative Working Group.
As outline in NENA’s NG911 report, some of the basic building blocks required for NG911 are:
Colorado is currently in the planning stages for its migration to next generation 911. The state is looking to replace its current voice-based analog backbone to a modern IP-based 911 network capable of streamlining voice and video messaging 911 requests.
Colorado’s 911 system, like most current states’ aging systems, is experiencing slower service and a lack of flexibility in supporting new types of communications and service providers. Benefits to switching to NG911 include a reduction in equipment costs with less equipment needing to be replaced, as well as the ability for call loading among dispatchers, which will result in reduced personnel costs.
In Colorado, 101 emergency call centers are funded in part by the Emergency Telephone Surcharge. The state is currently working to supplement the surcharge funding to build out an NG911 network, and has taken efforts to modernize both its 911 network as well as its emergency call centers/public safety answering points (PSAPS) to support the transition. Last year, the state conducted a study with the assistance of Mission Critical Partners to provide a review of the current system as well as recommendations for the future. The study was presented at the 2012 Issues Summit earlier this year. As of now, the state’s steering committee has set up working groups to provide guidance for NG911. The working groups include the Technical Architecture Working Group, Operational Business Model Working Group, and the Regulatory and Legislative Working Group.
As outline in NENA’s NG911 report, some of the basic building blocks required for NG911 are:
- Emergency Services IP Network (ESInet)
- International standards compliant IP functions
- Software services/applications
- Databases and data management
- Network and data security
- Human processes
Analyst’s Take
Colorado’s transition to NG911 will also offer the ability to add various functionalities to its system in a phased approach, including computer-aided dispatch (CAD), records management systems (RMS), voice logging, radio communications, and more. This may provide opportunities for agencies and vendors looking to integrate current and upgraded technology systems. The ability to have a shared software service between departments can also help lower overall costs for agencies and free up resources for other projects. In addition, vendors should take note of various grant opportunities available to assist states looking to expand their 911 capabilities.
Vendors can also work with agencies to determine that all standards provided by the FCC are met, including researching and identifying technology differences between existing 911 systems and what is needed for an NG911 environment, as well as how to best mitigate challenges while identifying best practices for a successful transition.
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