Earlier this month, E-Comm completed the first successful call transfer in a test Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) environment from its Lower Mainland emergency communications centre to Calgary 9-1-1’s centre. This marks a monumental step toward B.C.’s province-wide transition to NG9-1-1.
NG9-1-1 is a federally mandated initiative to evolve and modernize existing 9-1-1 services across Canada. The new network will enhance 9-1-1 services by adapting to emerging voice, text messaging and multi-media services. Although the existing 9-1-1 service is resilient and reliable, it was originally designed for landline devices. Currently, when you call 9-1-1 from a cellphone, call takers receive very minimal information. The new NG9-1-1 technology will provide additional caller identification and location information from cellphones—information that is essential for effective and fast emergence response.
Not only will NG9-1-1 improve 9-1-1 systems across the country, but it will also ensure that the life-saving systems remain effective, secure and resilient.
Want to learn more about Next Generation 9-1-1? Listen to Chief Innovation Officer Mike Webb here as he provides insight into the current 9-1-1 system and explains how the new NG9-1-1 network will enhance emergency response.
E-Comm Voice Systems Technologist Gary Tam performs successful NG9-1-1 Transfer Call on April 1, 2021.