Wireless 911 at 80%

NENA says that 80% of the nation’s population now reside in areas where PSAPs have Phase II wireless locating service. In a press release the association said that figure is an 11% increase from one year ago. In addition, NENA said that 70% of the nation’s PSAPs now have Phase II capabilities, a 13% increase from Jan. 2006. However, the group noted, “While this progress is certainly welcome, just under half of the nation’s 3,135 counties, primarily located in rural areas, still cannot provide this critical service to their residents.” NENA President Jason Barbour said NENA expects implementation of Phase II to slow down in the coming year, “as the remaining counties lacking the technology are primarily more rural, under-funded areas.” NENA said 78% of counties have Phase 1 service, which provides a wireless 911 caller’s phone number and receiving tower site. Detailed state and county statistics on Phase I/II are located here.