EENA’s newsletter brings you the latest updates in emergency communications.
In this edition, you can read about the progress on real-time text, advancements and problems on cell broadcast and AML, upcoming EENA webinars, and much more.
Subscribe to the newsletter here!
EENA News
Blog post: Where are we with real-time text?
Real-time text (RTT) is a fundamental communication tool that enables people with disabilities to communicate with each other and to contact emergency services effectively. RTT is required by EU law, with a deadline for implementation on June 2025 for public networks and June 2027 for emergency services.
Across Europe, real-time text (RTT) implementation for emergency services is progressing, but challenges remain, such as ensuring compatibility across networks, devices, and operating systems. The next year is crucial as stakeholders work to meet regulatory deadlines, ensuring RTT becomes a key communication method for emergency services.
Our new blog post explores RTT’s requirements, implementation, future challenges and next steps.
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!
Stay tuned for the programme to be published on 26.9.2024!
Did you miss our latest webinar?
The recording and presentations of our recent webinar on enhancing emergency communications routing and location transmission reliability with SIP PIDF-LO are now available on our website!
New addition to the EENA team
Last week, we welcomed our new policy officer, Peter Lonergan, to our team. Peter will be working on both policy analysis and project management at EENA. A warm welcome to Peter!
Webinars
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.
Smart routing for emergency vehicles
8 October 2024, 14:30 CEST
Smart routing of emergency vehicles is critical for ensuring rapid response times, which can make the difference between life and death in emergency situations. The driving time to the scene is the most time-consuming part before the patient receives professional care. This webinar will explore how smart routing allows emergency services to navigate the most efficient paths by leveraging real-time data on traffic patterns, road networks, and potential obstacles like one-way streets or congestion.
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.
112 in Ukraine: Maintaining an
emergency response during war time
12 November 2024, 14:30 CEST
This webinar will follow a keynote speech given at the EENA 2024 Conference by Leonid Tymchenko. The webinar will focus on presenting Ukrainian emergency service representatives’ efforts to maintain and even improve emergency response in the face of Russia’s invasion. From establishing remote working for call-takers to the preservation of their technical infrastructure and the launch of new 112 centres, join us for a demonstration of exceptional resilience.
Interested in presenting at an EENA webinar?
We are looking for webinar presenters with expertise in Real-Time Text (RTT), especially from vendors offering RTT solutions for PSAPs.
If you’d like to participate, please contact us at [email protected]
Want to know more about our webinars? Visit our website to learn more!
Policy & regulatory news
New EU Commission mandates: key appointments for public safety and emergency services
On 17 September, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen informed her Commissioners of their mandates and portfolios for the next five years. The President’s messages to all EU Commissioners emphasised improving prosperity, security and democracy in the EU. Of particular interest to public safety professionals is the appointment of Henna Virkkunen (European Peoples Party (EPP), Finland) as Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy and Commissioner for Digital and Frontier Technologies, and Andrius Kubilius (EPP, Lithuania) as the first Commissioner for Space.
Read more on the new roles and their importance for emergency services in this article.
Emergency communications around the world
Cell broadcast alert plans delayed in Latvia
Latvia’s implementation of an early warning or cell broadcasting system has been delayed due to a prolonged public procurement process. Initially planned for this year, the system is expected to be operational by next spring if there are no further appeals. The system, costing €4.27 million, will be primarily funded by the European Regional Development Fund, contributing nearly €3.3 million. Latvia’s current public warning system utilises sirens, radio, television, and the internet.
Poland to introduce advanced mobile location service in 2027
The Polish government’s digitisation committee has approved a project to implement the Advanced Mobile Location (AML) service in the country. This service, which will provide the location of individuals calling emergency services, is anticipated to be available across Poland by 2027 once EU funding is secured. The EU is expected to contribute PLN 26 million towards the total project cost of PLN 32.6 million.
Read more here (Telecompaper).
BT to sell its Irish unit in charge of operating the country’s emergency numbers
BT Ireland has withdrawn from the Department of Communications’ tender process for the next contract to operate Ireland’s Emergency Call-Answering Service (ECAS). BT has operated Ireland’s Emergency Call-answering service (ECAS) under a contract awarded by the Ministry of Communications (DECC) for the last fifteen years. Its current agreement runs until November 2025, with an option for the government to extend it by two years.
Read more here (The Irish Times).
Thailand’s regulator approves a cell broadcast system for disaster alerts
Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has approved a new cell broadcast system for disaster alerts, set to be rolled out by mobile operators AIS and True Corporation. The system will send alerts directly to mobile phones without the need for special apps. AIS and True are expanding their infrastructure with additional cell towers. The NBTC is offering financial incentives to the operators, reducing their contributions to Universal Service Obligations for three years. The NBTC is also exploring a similar system with the state-run National Telecom and plans to test emergency alerts via digital terrestrial TV.
South Africa approves a draft policy directive to transition to a single emergency number
South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, announced that the country’s cabinet has approved the publication of a draft policy to phase out the current emergency numbers 10177, 10111, and 107. The existing numbers are used for ambulance, police, and other public emergencies. Now open for public consultation, this draft policy aims to introduce a single emergency number to streamline services. The new system aims to reduce confusion and improve response times for people in emergencies. The move comes as South Africa faces rising crime rates, including a 2.6% increase in contact crimes between April and June 2024.
Read more here (East Coast Radio).
T-Mobile test satellite-powered wireless emergency alert
T-Mobile has successfully tested a satellite-powered wireless emergency alert. This is part of a collaboration with SpaceX’s Starlink to develop satellite-to-smartphone connectivity, allowing users to contact emergency services outside of cellular coverage. This new technology is planned to work on all major carriers and could extend emergency alerts to previously unreached areas in the US.
Google to fund AI wildfire-spotting efforts
Google is investing $13M in a project to use satellites and artificial intelligence (AI) to detect small wildfires before they grow. The initiative, led by the Earth Fire Alliance, aims to improve early wildfire detection globally using AI and high-resolution satellite imagery. Partnering with satellite maker Muon Space and non-profits, Google plans to launch satellites equipped with infrared sensors in 2024. These “FireSat” satellites will provide updated fire zone imagery every 20 minutes, detecting fires as small as 5 meters. The first satellite will launch on a SpaceX rocket next year.
EENA was here
A glimpse of the recent events EENA has taken part in.
NaN3 workshop on accessible emergency communications
24 September 2024, Stockholm, Sweden and online
EENA attended the workshop on accessibility in emergency communications. The workshop included interesting discussions on subjects important to EENA, especially on the native implementation of Real-Time Text (RTT) and its challenges.
The Future of European Telecommunications
12 September 2024, Brussels, Belgium
EENA participated in this event, discussing the future of EU telecom legislation. The event featured prominent voices from the European Commission, the Hungarian Presidency of the Council, and other leading stakeholders as the panellists. Debates focused on enhancing the competitiveness of the telecoms sector across the EU, particularly around the allocation of spectrum licences.
Stay tuned to see where EENA will be next!
Upcoming in our network
Subscribe to a newsletter on the AWARE project!
EENA is participating in the EU-funded AWARE project, a crucial initiative in disaster management. The project will develop a solution integrating Galileo Emergency Warning Satellite Service (EWSS) alerts into fixed devices such as digital display panels, long-range acoustic devices (LRADs), and indoor warning systems. This ensures vital information about disasters reaches people promptly, even if traditional telecom networks fail.
Subscribe to the newsletter to stay informed on the project!