Relates to the creation of a regional pilot program for enhanced wireless 911 service based on voice over internet protocol technology

Section 2 adds a new subdivision 5-a of section 328 of the county law that calls for the state 911 board to adopt standards governing the regional pilot program. The board shall consider whether the projected costs are reasonably necessary for the provision of enhanced wireless 911 service and whether the priority enhanced wireless plan conforms to the FCC order.

Section 3 amends subdivision 9 of section 328 of the county law. It requires the state 911 board's annual report to include information relating to the regional pilot program. The information regarding the program shall include but not be limited to, the number of grant awards made for the program, dollar value of the grant awards, and the status of implementation of the programs funded by the regional pilot grants. Furthermore, the annual report shall provide an analysis of the effectiveness of the technology and systems used in the counties participating in the regional pilot program as compared to those technologies used in other counties.

Section 4 adds a new paragraph 7 to section 333 of the county law, requiring the state 911 board to develop a regional pilot program for expedited deployment in two counties based upon technology using a call associated signaling system which utilizes voice over Internet protocol. The board shall select two counties as recipients of the regional pilot program. The board shall ensure that sufficient funds, and not less than five million dollars, is reserved for grants to be awarded for the regional pilot program.

Justification

Studies by the Federal Communications Commission and the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) have indicated that the nation's current analog enhanced wireless 911 (e911) system will be inadequate to meet the future needs of society. NENA, the "Voice of 911" in the U.S. and Canada, has identified digital network technology as the future path for e911.

The core components of e911, receiving and locating callers using wireless technology, hinge on the ability of local government to incorporate evolving technology into their existing communication systems. Current systems rely greatly on analog technology, which has serious limitations both on the ability to expand the e911 system and the ability to adapt to future technology requirements. Voice over Internet protocol (VOIP) and digital technology are becoming commonplace with the use of Internet phones, handheld computers, digital communication and data devices. These systems are quickly being incorporated into both everyday and emergency communication systems and it is important that e911 systems have the capability to receive and locate callers using these devices.

Because of the proliferation of VOIP technology, the FCC has recently issued an order requiring VOIP service providers to provide e911 functionality. In New York State, our capability to receive and locate wireless 911 calls varies greatly from one county to the next, and the ability to locate callers using VOIP and other digital technology is relatively nonexistent. A regional pilot program based on VOIP technology will strengthen our state's ability to incorporate new and existing communication systems into our e911 objectives. A pilot program will help determine the direction of future e911 investments and will allow the state to build upon its existing e911 capabilities.

This pilot program will complement statewide communication initiatives, like the statewide wireless network, and be the first step in linking the many disparate e911 communication systems currently being deployed in the state.

Legislative history

2008 - 53793 Referred to Local Government Committee

Fiscal implications

As much of the cost of this program could be reimbursed by the federal government, the total cost should be minimal.

Effective date

This bill would take effect immediately.