Here is the latest E911 news courtesy of Vonage and TCS. What is important about this release is that these two companies are working together to educate the PSAPs who in many cases have old equipment and can benefit from an introduction to IP.

I’ve written before that if the PSAPs become IP enabled there are a wealth of new life-saving services these offices can take advantage of like the ability to have data sent to the office in case of a 911 call. For example it would be feasible to have medical data instantly uploaded over an IP call when 911 is dialed.

In the case of an alarm, a schematic of a house can be sent with the zone that triggered the alarm. This schematic can be downloaded by the police cruiser on the way to the home.

IP is a true enabler for next-gen emergency services.

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VONAGE® AND TCS LAUNCH VOIP E9-1-1 PUBLIC SAFETY OUTREACH CAMPAIGN
 
TCS’ Deployment Experience Provides
Vital Connection to Public Safety Communities
 
ANNAPOLIS, MD and EDISON, NJ – August 2, 2005 – Vonage, the leading provider of broadband phone service, has joined forces with TeleCommunication Systems (TCS) (NASDAQ:TSYS), a leading provider of precise location and wireless data technology, to provide the vital introduction to thousands of Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) throughout the United States.
 
Beginning in mid-August, Vonage will be sending VoIP Enhanced 9-1-1 (E9-1-1) kits to introduce Vonage’s E9-1-1 services to PSAPs nationwide. TCS deployment professionals will follow up within a few weeks of initial contact to collect relevant PSAP data. The program is designed to provide the PSAP community with information regarding Vonage’s approach and process for E9-1-1 rollout within the FCC’s 120-day deadline, and how the public’s safety needs will continue to be met in the interim.
 
Jeffrey A. Citron, Chairman and CEO of Vonage Holdings, Corp. stated, "Our ongoing relationship with TCS and their proven E9-1-1 deployment experience with wireless makes this communications and outreach program a natural extension of our broader 120-day rollout plan for E9-1-1."
 
Greg Rohde, Executive Director of the E9-1-1 Institute said, "This partnership demonstrates the encouraging progress that is being made by industry to enhance public safety. I applaud their efforts."
 
"TCS has served the Public Safety community via wireless E9-1-1 for years. We are looking forward to the direct interface with a majority of the PSAPs we currently serve, as we bring a viable E9-1-1 VoIP solution to Vonage customers. Our joint effort will establish Vonage as the VoIP
E9-1-1 industry leader; we are proud to work with them," said Maurice B. Tosé, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer for TCS.