FCC Public Safety Bureau Chief David Turetsky implored public safety...

touted the upcoming ability of carriers to send text messages to 911 centers, with the service available by May 2014 to all PSAPs that request it. PSAPs won’t be required to accept emergency texts, but “the ball is really in the PSAPs’ court,” he said. Turetsky understands there are concerns over costs, and new demands on 911 call takers, “but with all due respect, let me suggest that PSAPs that are hesitating need to ask another question: How can we afford not to move forward?” Turetsky also discussed the upcoming NPRM on improving the reliability of 911 services nationwide, based on several of the bureau’s recommendations, set for an FCC vote Wednesday. Those recommendations include requiring service providers to conduct periodic physical audits, maintain backup power and follow specific testing procedures, he said. “We must make our existing 911 infrastructure work well, even as we develop paths to migrate to NG 911,” which will improve system resilience and connections between 911 call centers, Turetsky said. The ability to receive texts, photos, videos and data will also give PSAPs improved analytic abilities, he said. Text messages have a better chance of getting through when voice networks are congested, and can be more easily prioritized, with several texts up on a screen at once, he said.