Next generation 911 needed, speakers say

College Station, Texas -- Ever-changing communications technology is reason enough to upgrade many 911 emergency systems, Texas A&M University officials in College Station said.

Communication methods such as text messaging, voice messages and video capabilities must be added to the nation's emergency response system said Walt Magnussen, project manager and director of Texas A&M's Internet2 Technology Evaluation Center, in a news release issued Wednesday.

Already in the early stages, the a project to develop "NG 9-1-1," or next generation 911, holds promise. The project is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

"Today's 911 system is being outpaced by emerging technologies and (constantly adapting) 911 systems is both expensive and slow," said Roger Hixson of the National Emergency Numbering Association and a speaker at a conference on next-generation emergency use at Texas A&M.

"(We) have images, text, audio and telematics (OnStar emergency help)," Magnussen said. "We have all of this emerging technology, but we need to develop it into a quicker and more accurate means of information delivery to responders and to the public."

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.