Text-to-911 in ND Joint 911 Assoc. / APCO Meeting March 1, 2016 Technology Discussion – Jason Horning – NG9-1-1 Program Manager (NDACo) Operations Discussion - Mary Phillippi – Director (RRRDC)

Three Options Available TTY – Text messages delivered through existing 9-1-1 trunks via TDD/TTY. Web Based – Web based application and Internet connection. ESInet / IP Network Based – Delivery of text messages to PSAPs that are entirely IP-based.

North Dakota’s Text-to-911 Method ESInet / IP Network Based Why? Avoids adding a new system to an already lengthy list of systems. Uses ESInet circuits ensuring a high level of service and availability.

Text-to-911 The Plan Four Viper sites are being configured Red River Regional Dispatch Center Grand Forks 9-1-1 Walsh County 9-1-1 Williams / Williston 9-1-1 Scheduled completion by March 22nd Letters to Wireless Carriers requesting service will be distributed shortly thereafter. Wireless Carriers have up to 6 months to comply with request (September 2016 at the latest).

Text-to-911 The Plan What about the other PSAPs? RRRDC will take texts on behalf of the other PSAPs and relay call info to the appropriate center (Mary will have more detail) RRRDC is Primary PSAP / GF is Secondary A memorandum of understanding with all* PSAPs is in place to this effect What about our new Vesta equipment? IES/Airbus are still working on some details to support text-to-911 Airbus has completed testing with West.

Text-to-911 Initial Coverage Map

Text-to-911 Near-Term Coverage Map

Text-to-911 Call Routing

Text-to-911 Limitations Text messages cannot be transferred from one PSAP to another in an interoperable manner. Viper to Viper transfers are possible. A PSAP cannot originate SMS text messages to phones that haven’t texted 9-1-1. There is no prioritization of 9-1-1 text messages over other traffic. New and in-process text dialogues could be delayed, dropped, or lost due to SMS, systems, or network failures for both incoming and outgoing returned messages from PSAP to the request initiator. SMS text messages are limited to 160 characters.

Announcement Timing – Announcement will be made by September (or sooner) Public Service Announcements and Information Three videos (Two 30 sec PSAs, one longer video for website) Content for print and radio 911.nd.gov website being set up for basic information that the public needs to know about Timing of the release will be subject to the completion of the 4 major carriers enabling the service.