EENA’s newsletter brings you the latest updates in emergency communications.
In this edition, you can read about EENA’s upcoming webinars, a new technical specification document by ETSI, emergency call outages in Spain, Netherlands and Norway, and much more.
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EENA News
EENA 2025 Conference: Call for abstracts is open
Help us build a great programme for the upcoming EENA 2025 Conference & Exhibition! The event, taking place in Helsinki from 9–11 April, will bring together experts from all over the world for insightful discussions, cutting-edge technologies and interesting networking opportunities.
We invite you to submit your presentation proposals by September 20. This is a chance to contribute to the programme, share your expertise and be part of a global conversation on emergency response.
Take a look at our website for submission requirements and topics.
Read more and submit your abstract!
NG112 & AI DAYS – Register now!
Join us in Santa Cruz de Tenerife for a member’s seminar focused on the latest developments in Next Generation 112 and Artificial Intelligence in emergency communications. Don’t miss out — register now for this event on December 4-5!
Webinars
Tech transitions: Implementing change effectively in the emergency field
24 September 2024, 14:30 CEST
This webinar explores the important aspects of technology implementation and change management. Participants will learn about the strategies 112 Finland and the London Fire organisations use to integrate new technologies effectively and manage the associated changes. The session will highlight real-world challenges and solutions, offering practical knowledge.
Avatar 112 deaf experimentation
1 October 2024, 14:30 CEST
Join our webinar to discover a project using a “Digital Human” avatar with Italian Sign Language (LIS) to improve emergency communication for the hearing impaired. Utilizing AI, computer vision, NLP, 3D techniques, and 5G technology on the Questit Algho platform, this initiative aims to reduce social barriers and enhance emergency management. We’ll evaluate its efficiency and effectiveness in real-world scenarios, focusing on avatar responsiveness and user experience.
EENA Certification Programme for PSAPs
14 October 2024, 15:30 CEST
This webinar will present the PSAP Certification Programme’s renewed standard and process. The renewed certification is organised into three levels, each focusing on key technical and operational functionalities essential for Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs). Originally launched ten years ago, the certification programme’s renewal was announced at the 2024 EENA Conference.
EENA Certification Programme for TPSPs
15 October 2024, 11:00 CEST
This webinar will introduce the expanded EENA Certification Programme for TPSPs, now covering a wider range of Third-Party Service Providers (TPSPs) beyond eCall. We’ll discuss the updated standards, certification process, and benefits, emphasizing how this programme benchmarks TPSP service quality and supports collaboration with 112 PSAPs and ministries.
Introducing Google’s new Loss of Pulse Detection feature
22 October 2024, 16:30 CEST
This webinar will present Google’s new Loss of Pulse Detection feature, designed to detect time-sensitive health emergencies by recognizing loss of pulse events. If a loss of pulse is detected, the feature prompts a user’s compatible phone or watch to call emergency services for intervention. Learn how the feature works, the responsible development process behind it, and how user feedback shaped its design.
Want to know more about our webinars? Visit our website to learn more!
Policy & regulatory news
ETSI publishes a technical specification document for accessible emergency communications
The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) has published a technical specification to support the development of a harmonised standard for accessible emergency communications. The document outlines requirements for accessible communication using packet-switched technologies, supporting media like voice, real-time text, and video, also known as “total conversation.” It highlights the benefits for sign language users requiring interpreter services and ensures interoperability across Europe using SIP technologies like IMS and VoIP. The specification also addresses emergency apps and aligns with existing standards, laying the groundwork for a future harmonised standard on accessible emergency communications.
Emergency communications around the world
Technical outage on the 112 emergency number in Madrid
The 112 emergency line in the Community of Madrid had an outage on 3 September caused by a technical issue with Orange. During the outage, citizens were unable to contact the 112 emergency number. Authorities advised the public to use alternative numbers, such as 061 for health emergencies and 091 or 092 for police assistance. The issue was solved the same evening, with the 112 line functioning again.
Read more here (El Español, in Spanish).
Austria to introduce Cell Broadcast after successful tests
Austria is introducing an official alert system called AT-Alert that sends emergency alerts to cell phones via text. After successful tests, a nationwide test is set for October 5. The system, delayed since 2019, uses cell broadcast technology to send free disaster warnings to all compatible phones in a specific area. It supplements civil defence sirens to reach more people, though some phones may need updates to receive alerts. AT-Alert has ten senders, including the Ministry of the Interior. Messages are text-only to avoid network overload and are repeated to ensure delivery. Commercial use is not planned.
Read more here (Heise Online).
Regulator to supervise Norway’s Telenor following emergency call outage
Telenor, a major telecommunications provider in Norway, recently experienced an outage that disrupted emergency calls to the 112 number for three hours. This incident also affected customers of other mobile providers, such as Telia and Ice. As a result, Norway’s National Communications Authority (Nkom) will now supervise Telenor, focusing on whether Telenor meets the required security standards in their mobile networks. This event is part of a broader pattern, with similar outages occurring globally among major telecom companies in the UK and Australia.
Read more here (Mobile Europe).
Major IT outage disrupts Dutch emergency services
A major IT outage hit Dutch government offices on 28 August, causing widespread IT disruptions across the Netherlands, grounding flights and impacting emergency services. The outage affected communications systems for the police, coastguard, and civil servants, which were restored the next day. The emergency number 112 remained functional. The outage has been linked to a possible data centre failure. There is no indication the outage was caused by a cyberattack.
AT&T to pay a fine to resolve investigation into 911 outage
AT&T has agreed to pay 950,000 USD to settle an investigation by The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) after a 911 outage in August 2023 affected emergency call centres in Illinois, Kansas, Texas, and Wisconsin. The outage, caused by a contractor’s error during network testing, led to over 400 failed 911 calls. AT&T also failed to notify authorities of the outage, violating FCC rules. AT&T will implement a three-year compliance plan to ensure adherence to 911 and outage notification regulations as part of the settlement.
Read more here (Telecompaper).
Starlink to offer free emergency SOS services
Starlink by SpaceX is set to offer free emergency SOS services globally, allowing smartphone users to contact emergency services even in remote areas without cellular coverage. Starlink’s service will be free, addressing concerns about accessibility during emergencies. However, global implementation will require country-specific approvals due to regulatory concerns about satellite phones.
Upcoming in our network
BAPCO 2025 opens call for proposals
BAPCO has opened their call for proposals for their annual event, which will take place in 2025. This call for content is looking at ideas and innovations to help frontline workers and practical case studies from end-users. The call for proposals is open until the 9 September 2024.
Read more and apply here.