The Government is warning telecommunication companies to sign up to a voluntary code on the 111 emergency call line, or face further action to ensure its reliability.Communications and Information Technology Minister Steven Joyce today announced a series
The Government is warning telecommunication companies to sign up to a voluntary code on the 111 emergency call line, or face further action to ensure its reliability.
Communications and Information Technology Minister Steven Joyce today announced a series of steps being taken to try to ensure the reliability of 111 emergency call services.
He said the impact of the recent Telecom XT network outages highlighted the need for agreed standards for 111.
"I am calling on telecommunications carriers to sign up to the Emergency Calling Code as a matter of urgency," Mr Joyce said.
The code has been developed by the Telecommunications Carriers' Forum, in consultation with the Government.
Telcos can sign up to the code as a legally binding document and can do so whether or not they are a member of the forum.
"The code provides a good starting point for ensuring the effective delivery of emergency calls by providing minimum standards. An industry-led voluntary code is preferable to regulation but the Government will be prepared to act if necessary," Mr Joyce said.
"I also call upon mobile network operators to complete a formal arrangement for emergency roaming between their networks, using SOS mode."
SOS mode enables mobile phones to use alternative networks for emergency calling when they are unable to access their own network for technical reasons.
"Because New Zealanders increasingly rely on their mobile phones, we must ensure that they are able to use them to contact emergency services as much as possible."
Government officials were working with the independent review of recent outages of Telecom's XT mobile network and Telecom's internal investigation of the Papatoetoe exchange fault which affected 111 in the early hours of February 26.
"I will be reviewing closely the results of investigations into recent network outages to assess whether any further action is required to protect the integrity of the emergency calling system", Mr Joyce said.
