FCC Looking To Upgrade 911 Emergency Centers To Receive Video/Photos
Recently, the launch of the Child ID app proved that the U.S. government wasn't scared of tapping into modern-day, consumer-friendly tech to provide a service to the American people. Now, the FCC is pushing for 911 texting.
The Federal Communications Commission is envisioning a project called Next Generation 911; in addition to just sending standard SMS, it will also allow 911 teams to receive photo and video messages in order to better prepare and respond.
"It’s hard to imagine that airlines can send text messages if your flight is delayed, but you can’t send a text message to 911 in an emergency," said FCC chairman Julius Genachowski. "The shift to NG911 can’t be about if, but about when and how."
The next step for NG911 is a big ball of red tape, involving analysis on the pros/cons, and feasibility, etc. If all that goes well, the entity would need to get the right approvals in place to upgrade the equipment for this next level of service.
The Federal Communications Commission is envisioning a project called Next Generation 911; in addition to just sending standard SMS, it will also allow 911 teams to receive photo and video messages in order to better prepare and respond.
"It’s hard to imagine that airlines can send text messages if your flight is delayed, but you can’t send a text message to 911 in an emergency," said FCC chairman Julius Genachowski. "The shift to NG911 can’t be about if, but about when and how."
The next step for NG911 is a big ball of red tape, involving analysis on the pros/cons, and feasibility, etc. If all that goes well, the entity would need to get the right approvals in place to upgrade the equipment for this next level of service.
