Federal Drive

Genachowski: FCC will ‘spur’ 9-1-1 modernization efforts

Julius Genachowski told the Federal Drive the time is right to adopt the next-generation of the 9-1-1 system. He also described efforts to establish a nation...

Federal News Network Staff

August 17, 2011 10:31 am

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wfedstaff | June 4, 2015 10:04 am

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By Jack Moore
Federal News Radio

The nation’s 9-1-1 system is rooted in the old, switched- circuit telephone system — and it still works fairly well even in today’s mobile-technology world.

But some, including FCC chairman Julius Genachowski, think it’s past due for an upgrade.

He told Federal News Radio the agency would act as a “spur” for a new mobile-friendly 9-1-1 system as well as a national broadband communications network for first responders.

With ever greater numbers of Americans using digital devices and mobile companies building out new networks, the time to act is now, he said.