×

Cell Surcharge Needs To Go Toward 9-1-1 Upgrade

Recently, the New York State Association of Counties kicked off a new campaign entitled “Rescuing 9-1-1.” It’s designed to raise awareness that 9-1-1 call centers across New York state are facing escalating call volumes with aging systems.

More and more people are relying solely on their cellphones. The federal government is starting to require states to adopt new Next Gen 9-1-1 standards. Some of these upgrades including pinpointing cellphone users, handling texting, data, images and video, which are becoming more common.

“Unless and until counties have access to a dedicated revenue stream to help pay for the system upgrades and new communications equipment, NG911 will be out of reach for many areas of the state. That’s what this campaign is all about,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario. “In order to meet the expectations of the millions of New Yorkers who are calling and texting 9-1-1 from their cellphone, we need to upgrade our systems.”

According to NYSAC, the State of New York imposes a $1.20 public safety surcharge on all wireless telephones in order to fund 9-1-1 operations, and help first responders and law enforcement communicate and respond to emergencies. Last year, the state collected $185 million, but only provided $75 million in grants to counties for 9-1-1 services.

That needs to change. All money collected by the state for the public safety surcharge should go back to counties for 9-1-1. The danger comes when state officials collect surcharge money and use it for other things. That’s how our Thruway tolls end up funding parts of the Erie Canal system.

New York needs to upgrade our 9-1-1 systems statewide by simply using the money they’re already collecting from cellphone users.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today