911 Systems Aging, Newest Technology Need To Be Deployed

There’s urgent need for upgradation of 911 emergency respoonse systems following several malicious cyber attacks.

Last month many customers of AT&T Wireless across the country found they were unable to call 911. The incidence prompted local emergency officials of Texas, Tennessee, Oregon, Indiana, Florida, Colorado, Alabama and other states to urge people to call an alternate number or text authorities if such situation arises again.

AT&T said it was a service issue and investigation has been initiated by Federal Communications Commission.

Similarly many callers were unable to reach the 911 emergency response team in Dallas during spikes in calls and hundreds of them were put on hold. Officials said there’s a shortage of people who handle such calls.

Dallas authorities dedicated $2 million thereafter to upgrade the system and increase manpower. The T-Mobile service provider was also asked to disable a feature that calls 911 repeatedly if the initial call does not get connected.

In October of 2016 cellphone users who clicked on a link from a malicious Twitter post complained their phone called 911 repeatedly. Investigators believe it to be the largest cyberattack on the 911 emergency response system.

Even though lately it is strongly urged to upgrade the aging 911 systems but the question arises from where the funding to come.