Emergency texts to be considered in 111 review

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Text messages and the internet may be used to contact emergency services in the future following a Government review of the 111 service.

The Government launched an inquiry into the service this year after a fault at Telecom's exchange in Auckland stopped about 30 emergency calls from getting through in February.

The inquiry was specific to the February outage, but identified several areas where long-term improvements could be made, sparking a long-term review.

Communications and Information Technology Minister Steven Joyce today announced the terms of reference for the review.

"The terms cover the scope of the proposed review, advances in technology, governance requirements (including funding, audit and enforcement) and timing and consultation from the point of call origination through to the initial call answering point," Mr Joyce said.

Under the technology reference, the review would consider the potential for new forms of "calls" in emergency situations, including using texts and internet telephony.

Mr Joyce said the review would also provide certainty about the governance framework that controls the component parts of the 111 call system.

"In particular, it will clarify who will have operational accountability for the delivery of the 111 calling service in each of the component parts, and who will have accountability for funding, maintaining, auditing, investigating and enforcing delivery of the 111 service component parts."

A draft discussion document would be ready for public consultation midway through next year.

- NZPA