Solacom begins deployment of landmark Next Generation 9-1-1 network to PSAPs in Counties of Southern Illinois
Chicago, IL, November 15, 2011 — Solacom Technologies has begun deploying to the Counties of Southern Illinois (CSI) what is likely to be the first Next Generation 9-1-1 public safety network in the USA to incorporate key functional elements as defined by the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) “i3” specifications.
The Solacom technology will bring next generation call taking to Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) in the 15 counties that comprise the Southern Illinois 9-1-1 consortium, and lay the groundwork for further NG9-1-1 capabilities as standards are finalized by NENA and implemented by the industry.
The new system will transition public safety agencies from Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) networks that are limited to carrying voice and text telephone devices for the deaf, to IP-based networks that carry VoIP, text, images, video and other types of data. The Solacom solution is ideal for this transition since it is backwards compatible with TDM networks and legacy PSAP equipment, allowing agencies to support traditional calls as well as Next Generation 9-1-1, and helping them make the move without having to rip and replace all existing equipment.
The first phase of the CSI network includes a Legacy Network Gateway (LNG) that accepts SS7, ISDN PRI and CAMA calls from Legacy Selective Routers and Central Office equipment, and converts them to IP-based next generation calls with location information. A terminating Emergency Services Routing Proxy (ESRP) will use the location information to route the call to the appropriate agency based on geographical data. The system will also log calls and events using next generation “i3” logging specifications.
All this will translate into faster, more resilient and reliable public safety services within the counties, sharing the cost of moving to NG9-1-1 and paving the way for new capabilities like texting 9-1-1, and media rich content, such as photos, videos, telematics, medical records and other information that can help first responders save lives.
“We are extremely pleased to be working with CSI on what is sure to become a hallmark next generation network that other States can look to” commented Ray Vilis, Solacom vice president of Advanced Emergency Systems. “Our Emergency Services Platform was built on IP architecture and designed for NG9-1-1 elements, so in a sense we have been waiting for the market to catch up to our technology” added Vilis.
The new public safety network is expected to be installed and operational sometime early next year following an extensive testing process. The CSI 9-1-1 consortium will bring next generation public safety services to the counties of Alexander, Clay, Gallatin, Jackson, Johnson, Marion, Massac, Perry, Pulaski, Union, Richland, Saline, Wabach, White, and Williamson.
About Solacom
Solacom Technologies builds some of the world’s most reliable critical communications systems that integrate Voice, Video and Data to deliver advanced IP-based interoperability solutions for public safety 9-1-1, military command, security and other mission critical applications. With a legacy of innovation in air traffic control and public safety, our engineers have pioneered many industry advances over the past 25 years.
Media Contact:
Robert Cassidy
Solacom – Manager Marketing & Communications
Phone 613-693-0641 x370