CRTC reviewing next-generation 9-1-1 services

GATINEAU, QC, March 29, 2016 /CNW/ - The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is announcing a public consultation on next-generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) emergency services. NG 9-1-1 is a term used to describe more technologically advanced 9-1-1 services.

Telecommunications networks are evolving and now offer much more than just voice services. As such, the CRTC wants to ensure that 9-1-1 services benefit from these technological advancements as well. Through NG9-1-1, people who need emergency assistance may be able to not only dial 9-1-1 on their phones to call for help; they may also be able to send text messages, photos and videos to 9-1-1 operators. This will enable emergency responders to find new ways to ensure the safety of Canadians.

The CRTC is consulting on matters such as what services should be offered, who will play a role in offering these services and how these services should be paid for.

Public hearing
Canadians are invited to submit their comments and be part of the proceeding. For more information, visit the NG9-1-1 page and watch the NG9-1-1 video.

A hearing will be held in Gatineau, Quebec, starting January 16, 2017, and is expected to run for five days. Canadians have until May 20, 2016 to send comments and to request to appear at the public hearing. They can do so by:

• filling out the online form;
• writing to the Secretary General, CRTC, Ottawa, Ontario K1A ON2; or
• sending a fax to [phone].

Quick Facts

• The CRTC is gathering information on NG9-1-1 emergency services.
• A hearing related to this process will take place starting January 16, 2017.
• The public hearing will cover many issues including:
  • NG9-1-1 services
  • NG9-1-1 architecture and responsibilities
  • transition steps and timelines
  • funding
  • confidentiality
  • reporting and monitoring
• Canadians who wish to send comments or request to appear at the hearing have until May 20, 2016 to do so.
• Parties may participate in person or from the CRTC's regional offices via videoconference.
• The CRTC regulates the telecommunications service providers that carry calls to 9-1-1 call centres, while emergency responders and call centres are under the jurisdiction of municipalities, provinces and territories.

Quotes
"The CRTC is committed to ensuring that Canadians have access to 9-1-1 services through a reliable and modern communication system. Although our organization is just one of many stakeholders working together to enhance 9-1-1, we look forward to playing our part by establishing a regulatory framework for NG9-1-1. The public hearing we are announcing today is an important step in that process."

- Jean-Pierre Blais, CRTC Chairman and CEO

Related Products

• NG9-1-1 landing page
• NG9-1-1 video

Associated Links

• Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2016-116 - Establishment of a regulatory framework for next-generation 9‑1-1 in Canada

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SOURCE Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission

Media Relations, [phone]; General Inquiries, [phone], Toll-free 1 (877) 249-CRTC (2782), TTY [phone]