OTTAWA–GATINEAU – The CRTC has released an “action plan” designed to improve Canadians’ access to current 9-1-1 services and to prepare for a review of next-generation 9-1-1 services.
Next-generation technologies are expected to improve how Canadians communicate with 9-1-1 call centres by enabling them to send text messages, pictures and videos, as well as interact with emergency operators through other means. The CRTC said Wednesday that adoption of these technologies will occur gradually over the next few years, and that it will launch a proceeding in early 2016 to ensure telecommunications service providers’ networks can support new technologies when 9-1-1 call centres have the capabilities to use them.
The Commission added that its plan is based on comments received following the publication of a report on 9-1-1 services by former Commissioner Timothy Denton last October. Part of the plan involves addressing the following priorities and conducting the following activities:
– review the telecommunications regulatory framework for next-generation 9-1-1 service;
– improve the 9-1-1 caller location information provided to the call centres that receive 9-1-1 calls;
– review the reliability and resiliency of 9-1-1 networks, including notification to 9-1-1 call centres of network outages that may affect them;
– educate consumers and supporting efforts to prevent accidental 9-1-1 calls;
– continue to regulate certain 9-1-1 rates charged by incumbent local exchange carriers; and
– require telecommunications carriers to collect relevant 9-1-1 data and provide it to the Commission.
“The health and safety of Canadians is improved through their communication system, in particular by ensuring they have effective access to 9-1-1 services”, said CRTC chairman Jean-Pierre Blais, in a statement. “The action plan we have announced today will not only enhance access to existing services, but also ensure telecommunications networks are ready to support next-generation 9-1-1 services. This illustrates how we will continue to fulfill our mandate to ensure the communication system protects Canadians. As the governance for the 9-1-1 system is shared, we would also welcome greater coordination on 9-1-1 matters.”
The Commission added that it would participate in a national forum to promote better coordination between the different partners in the provision of 9-1-1 services. Currently, telecommunications service providers, provincial/territorial governments, and municipal governments collaborate to provide 9-1-1 services in Canada. Under the Telecommunications Act, the CRTC regulates the telecommunications carriers, which provide the network infrastructure necessary to direct and connect 9-1-1 calls to public safety answering points. Emergency responders and public safety answering points fall within the jurisdiction of provincial/territorial and municipal governments.
