FCC: Multimedia coming soon to 911 hotline

Emergency calls to the 911 emergency response system in the United States may soon accommodate text, photos and videos from callers, if the US Federal Communications Commission's five-step action plan is realized. FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski announced a five-step plan Wednesday to chart the "transition" to the next-generation 911, which will also tap broadband Internet in responding to emergencies. "NG (Next Generation) 911 supports IP-based communication of emergency-related voice, text, data, photos, and video. We need a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach to NG911 implementation: If we do nothing to address NG911 requirements, timelines, costs, and governance, we will see uncoordinated patchwork deployment of NG911 over the next five to ten years, leaving much of the US without any NG911 capability," the FCC said. The FCC envisions NG911 to support "seamless, end-to-end IP-based communication of emergency-related voice, text, data, photos, and video between the public and public safety answering points (PSAPs)." But the NG911 systems will continue to support the legacy 911 system on a transitional basis "for as long as is necessary." The FCC touted the benefits of NG911 as:

• Increased public access: multimedia capabilities expand accessibility (such as to persons with disabilities) and give all consumers more calling options in emergencies.
• Enhanced information for first responders as text, data, photos, and videos can help them assess emergencies more quickly and respond more effectively.
• Increased reliability of NG911 networks: IP-based architecture provides more flexibility and resiliency than the legacy circuit-switched 911 system.

It also enumerated the five-step plan, which involves:

• Develop location accuracy mechanisms for NG-911.
• Enable consumers to send text, photos, and videos: Next month, the FCC will consider rules to accelerate NG911 adoption.
• Facilitate the completion and implementation of NG911 technical standards.
• Develop a NG911 governance framework: Because no single governing entity has jurisdiction over NG911, the FCC will work with state 911 authorities, other Federal agencies, and other governing entities to provide technical expertise and develop a coordinated approach to NG911 governance.
• Develop an NG911 Funding Model.

Tech site Mashable noted this may be a step in the right direction "as it aligns with the evolving nature of telecommunications". — TJD, GMA News