How Canadians communicate is vastly different from the way it was two years ago. Talking on the phone used to be the preferred manner of communication, now it’s either texting or email. The CRTC recognizes this change and is seeking feedback from Canadians on the future of essential 9-1-1 services.
NG9-1-1, more commonly known as “more technologically advanced 9-1-1 services,” expands beyond voice, into texts, images, videos and even medical records, giving 9-1-1 operators additional details t0 offer emergency responders.
The CRTC has opened up a consultation for Canadians to participate in to decide how these new services should be paid for, as well as how reporting and monitoring will be structured. The CRTC says a hearing will be held in Gatineau, Quebec, starting January 16th, 2017, and Canadians can submit feedback online, mail or fax until May 20, 2016.
“The CRTC is committed to ensuring that Canadians have access to 9-1-1 services through a reliable and modern communication system,” said Jean-Pierre Blais, CRTC chairman and CEO, in a statement to MobileSyrup.
“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,” said Blais.
In 2013, the CRTC announced that Canadians with hearing or speech impairments will be able to text 911 during emergencies.
[source] CRTC [/source]
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