Today, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) directed all telephone and mobile wireless companies to update their networks in order to be ready to provide next-generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) services.
NG9-1-1 services will provide Canadians with access to new and innovative emergency services and capabilities. These services are enabled by the prevalence of mobile devices and the evolution of telecommunications networks. The CRTC wants to ensure that Canada’s 9-1-1 system takes advantage of these technological advancements to improve public safety.
The provision of 9-1-1 services throughout Canada is complex and requires coordination between various parties, including telephone and mobile wireless companies, provincial, territorial, and municipal governments, emergency call centres and emergency responders such as fire, police and paramedics. The CRTC is also recommending that Public Safety Canada take a leadership role in establishing a national coordination body, including emergency call centres and emergency responders, to assist with the transition to NG9-1-1. All of these organizations have a role to play to ensure the safety of Canadians.
The incumbent telephone companies will be responsible for the construction, operation, and maintenance of the NG9-1-1 networks, with CRTC oversight. The networks must be ready to provide NG9-1-1 voice services by June 30, 2020 and NG9-1-1 text messaging services by December 31, 2020. These services will be made available to Canadians as their local 9-1-1 call centres are in a position to offer them.
CNW News Release – June 1, 2017.
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