AT&T teams up with the state of Tennessee to start text-to-911 trials

From ENG






AT&T and State of Tennessee to Launch Text to 9-1-1 Trial

Standards-Based Solution Will Enable AT&T Subscribers to Send
Emergency Texts to 9-1-1 Statewide

DALLAS, Sept. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- More and more, public safety
agencies are embracing new technologies and IP-based networks to
communicate with constituents in emergency situations. Over the past
few years, the state of Tennessee has invested in an advanced,
statewide 9-1-1 IP infrastructure, giving Tennesseans access to the
best technology available to coordinate emergency responses. Today,
AT&T* announced the state of Tennessee has approved the use of the
state's new Emergency Service IP Network (ESInet) to support a Text to
9-1-1 trial statewide.

Under this trial, AT&T will work with the Tennessee Emergency
Communications Board (TEC to provide a Text to 9-1-1 trial service,
allowing for emergency 9-1-1 Short Message Service (SMS) text messages
from AT&T wireless subscribers to be received by Tennessee 9-1-1
call centers, known as public service answering points (PSAPs). The
trial will use the existing ESInet and statewide IP network backbone
(NetTN), key components in the state of Tennessee's Next-Generation
9-1-1 plan.

"In today's mobile environment, it's vital that Tennessee's
public safety infrastructure keep pace," said Lynn Questell,
Executive Director, TECB. "This trial with AT&T will build
upon efforts to modernize and enhance our emergency communication
network, leveraging new technologies to serve our citizens and work to
ensure their safety."

While dialing 9-1-1 by phone remains the primary and preferred method
to contact public safety agencies, the Text to 9-1-1 trial will enable
PSAPs in Tennessee to begin receiving 9-1-1 SMS texts from AT&T
wireless subscribers through the state's ESInet. The trial will allow
PSAPs to develop best practices and methods to receive and integrate
these types of emergency communications in the future.

The trial will utilize concepts and designs from key industry groups
working on Text to 9-1-1 standards and will leverage the National
Emergency Number Association's (NENA) i3 standards and
recommendations.

"AT&T is committed to working with standard bodies, national,
state, and local public safety organizations to determine how best to
integrate SMS text messages and other advanced communications into
future 9-1-1 systems and wireless networks," said Mel Coker, Vice
President, Public Safety Solutions, AT&T Business Solutions.
"This trial will be vital in evaluating Text to 9-1-1 solutions
with the goal of providing reliable, universal access for our
customers."

MummyChunk wrote:
> From ENG
>
>
>
>
>
>
> AT&T and State of Tennessee to Launch Text to 9-1-1 Trial
>
> Standards-Based Solution Will Enable AT&T Subscribers to Send
> Emergency Texts to 9-1-1 Statewide
>
> DALLAS, Sept. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- More and more, public safety
> agencies are embracing new technologies and IP-based networks to
> communicate with constituents in emergency situations. Over the past
> few years, the state of Tennessee has invested in an advanced,
> statewide 9-1-1 IP infrastructure, giving Tennesseans access to the
> best technology available to coordinate emergency responses. Today,
> AT&T* announced the state of Tennessee has approved the use of the
> state's new Emergency Service IP Network (ESInet) to support a Text to
> 9-1-1 trial statewide.
>
> Under this trial, AT&T will work with the Tennessee Emergency
> Communications Board (TEC to provide a Text to 9-1-1 trial service,
> allowing for emergency 9-1-1 Short Message Service (SMS) text messages
> from AT&T wireless subscribers to be received by Tennessee 9-1-1
> call centers, known as public service answering points (PSAPs). The
> trial will use the existing ESInet and statewide IP network backbone
> (NetTN), key components in the state of Tennessee's Next-Generation
> 9-1-1 plan.
>
> "In today's mobile environment, it's vital that Tennessee's
> public safety infrastructure keep pace," said Lynn Questell,
> Executive Director, TECB. "This trial with AT&T will build
> upon efforts to modernize and enhance our emergency communication
> network, leveraging new technologies to serve our citizens and work to
> ensure their safety."
>
> While dialing 9-1-1 by phone remains the primary and preferred method
> to contact public safety agencies, the Text to 9-1-1 trial will enable
> PSAPs in Tennessee to begin receiving 9-1-1 SMS texts from AT&T
> wireless subscribers through the state's ESInet. The trial will allow
> PSAPs to develop best practices and methods to receive and integrate
> these types of emergency communications in the future.
>
> The trial will utilize concepts and designs from key industry groups
> working on Text to 9-1-1 standards and will leverage the National
> Emergency Number Association's (NENA) i3 standards and
> recommendations.
>
> "AT&T is committed to working with standard bodies, national,
> state, and local public safety organizations to determine how best to
> integrate SMS text messages and other advanced communications into
> future 9-1-1 systems and wireless networks," said Mel Coker, Vice
> President, Public Safety Solutions, AT&T Business Solutions.
> "This trial will be vital in evaluating Text to 9-1-1 solutions
> with the goal of providing reliable, universal access for our
> customers."

This may seem like a dumb idea, until you're in your home and someone breaks
in. They're rummaging around the place and while hiding (in the closet)
you're trying to silently call 911.

Oh yea, texting! Just make sure your speaker is turned off. ;-)

In the last episode of <k3r29r$5p0$1@dont-email.me>, "Drewdove"
<cheadle@juno.com> said:

>This may seem like a dumb idea, until you're in your home and someone breaks
>in. They're rummaging around the place and while hiding (in the closet)
>you're trying to silently call 911.

Being able to use Twitter to alert transit security is fantastic when
you see something happening on public transit and don't want to make a
public scene (or make it obvious who is reporting)

I'm having trouble seeing a downside with making emergency services more
reachable, via more communication methods.

--
The nice thing about standards, there is enough for everyone to have their own.