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Intrado (News - Alert) has announced that the company supports the FCC’s Next-Generation 9-1-1 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. Intrado is a company that maintains a focus and passion for saving lives and supporting the needs of public safety.

Among other topics, the FCC (News - Alert) adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on NG9-1-1 technology as expected. The technology will enable the public to send emergency communications to public safety answering points (PSAPs) via text, photos, videos and data.

The policy by the FCC does not consist of any draft rules, but requires input on various topics. The current 911 system handles only voice calls to an IP-based, NG-911 architecture and all commissioners noted the importance of migrating this technology. If that is done, it would let public safety answering points (PSAPs) receive emergency communications via text messaging. They can also receive these messages through photos and videos.

An FCC analysis shows that it could be cheaper to upgrade than to maintain the current system as the expanding use of smartphones and other IP-enabled devices makes a next-generation 911 system important.

“Intrado applauds the FCC's interest in emergency text messaging and the agency's efforts to accelerate the adoption of NG9-1-1 technology and will continue to support the FCC's efforts by sharing our knowledge and experience about these important subjects,” said Craig Donaldson, senior vice president of Regulatory and Government Affairs for Intrado. “Additional work remains to allow the widespread ability of PSAPs to receive photos, videos and enhanced data.”

Recently, the company released its new Intrado Co-location and Transport cloud service. I-CAT is a reliable and secure cloud-based service for partners in the Intrado A9-1-1 Alliance Member Program and companies focused on solutions for public safety agencies in the United States.

The new I-CAT directly connects the company’s partners’ applications and services with public safety agencies and allows customers to focus on their businesses.