Scoping out NG 911

Next generation (NG) 911 technology may be available much sooner than anyone thought, opening up new capabilities for the public and first responders.

Driven in part by the wireless industry, NG 911 IP-based services will enable citizens to reach first responders "any time, anywhere from any device," reports The Telegraph.  Today's voice-based processes for reaching public safety will be replaced by a system capable of handling text messages, pictures and videos, as well as delivering pictures and videos to first responder mobile data terminals in police squad cars and fire trucks.

In addition, an IP-based network would also have the potential to easily route and reroute calls and data, so if one public safety call center was overwhelmed or unable to respond (think hurricane), calls could be sent to another center. 

Cost is likely to be an issue with more expensive outlays for networking services required in a broadband, multimedia-centric world.

For more:
- The Telegraph (of Alton, IL) reports on next generation 911 VoIP services. Article

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