As county governments seek to upgrade their systems to next generation 9-1-1 call centers, a new carrier could help.

The State of Maryland has accepted for filing a tariff from Airbus that could help counties begin to upgrade 9-1-1 services.

Since the break-up of Ma Bell, Verizon has been the provider of 9-1-1 service to Maryland.

However, Verizon has recently indicated that they will be exiting a portion of the 9-1-1 market. At the same time, there is a need for upgrades and improvements to 9-1-1 services to accommodate a shift to use of wireless phone technologies, and to take advantage of Next Generation 9-1-1 technologies. Ultimately, the Next Generation 9-1-1, or NG 911 as it is called, will provide enhanced services to citizens during an emergency.

Airbus DS has shown interest in providing 9-1-1 services. Accordingly,  Airbus DS has filed a tariff with the Maryland Public Service Commission.

MACo’s Emergency Management Affiliate held a round table on NG 911 this summer and advocated for a single statewide provider. Airbus’s tariff may be a step in that direction.

According to MACo’s Emergency Managers Affiliate’s Next Generation 9-1-1 Work Group, now is the time for county governments to consider this tariff or other solutions and the opportunities that it might provide for upgrading their systems. At the same time, counties can have conversations with neighboring jurisdictions whose partnership will be critical in implementing new services.

For more information, see the Airbus tariff.