The FCC wants Americans to be able to send texts, videos, photos and location data to 911. FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski announced a five-step plan on Wednesday to update the technology that powers the 911 emergency response system. The FCC hopes that such a plan will enable emergency responders to respond faster while also giving individuals more options for contacting 911, depending on the emergency situation.
His catalyst for creating the Next Generation 911 was the fact that trapped students could not text 911 during the Virginia Tech campus shootings in 2007.
NG911 will follow a five-step plan for implementation:
1. Develop location accuracy mechanisms for NG911
2. Enable consumers to send text, photos, and videos to public safety answering points (NPRM)
3. Facilitate the completion and implementation of NG911 technical standards
4. Develop an NG911 governance framework
5. Develop an NG911 funding model
Read more @ CNN
