June 25, 2014 – Ottawa–Gatineau – Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) today announced the steps it will take to enhance Canadians’ access to existing 9-1-1 services and facilitate the transition to next-generation 9-1-1 services.
The action plan published today was established further to a consultation in which Canadians were asked to identify and prioritize the matters within the CRTC’s jurisdiction that should be addressed regarding 9-1-1 services. The CRTC regulates the telecommunications service providers that carry calls to 9-1-1 call centres, while emergency responders and call centres are under the jurisdiction of municipalities, provinces and territories.
During the recent consultation, some participants suggested that a national forum could be established to promote better coordination between the different partners in the provision of 9-1-1 services. As the 9-1-1 system is a shared responsibility, collaboration between all parties involved would be very helpful to not only improve the current system, but prepare it for next-generation 9-1-1 and new technologies.
The CRTC would be prepared to participate in such a forum and share its expertise in the areas under its jurisdiction.
In the meantime, the CRTC will review the regulatory framework for next-generation 9-1-1 and will launch a proceeding in early 2016 to ensure telecommunications service providers’ networks can support new technologies when 9-1-1 call centres have the capabilities to use them.
The CRTC will also address certain priorities related to the existing 9-1-1 system. These include improving caller location information, reviewing the reliability and resiliency of 9-1-1 networks and supporting efforts to prevent accidental 9-1-1 calls.
Finally, in order to assist the CRTC in making decisions on various 9-1-1 matters, telecommunications service providers will be required to provide relevant data whenever necessary.
Through this action plan, the CRTC is ensuring that Canadian telecommunications networks are evolving at an appropriate pace to support Canadians’ needs for effective access to 9-1-1 emergency services as part of a world-class communications system.
Jean-Pierre Blais, Chairman of CRTC
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