i_911tf_2016a_2016-09-14t13:29:35z5 Hearing Summary

Date: 09/14/2016

02:54 PM -- Public Testimony



Senator Scheffel opened the floor for public comment.





02:55 PM -- Mr. Brian Shepherd, Broadband Program Manager, Governor's Office of Information Technology, and Colorado's Point of Contact with FirstNet, testified to the task force. He explained his role as the FirstNet contact and discussed wireless emergency networks. In response to a question, he discussed the steps necessary to develop wireless emergency networks statewide. Representative Lontine was recognized by the chair to ask a question. Mr. Shepherd responded to her question concerning FirstNet.





03:07 PM -- Mr. Bill Levis, representing AARP, testified before the task force. Mr. Levis suggested sources for the committee and staff to review, including a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) report, a National Regulatory Research Institute, and the annual report on 911 by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC).





03:10 PM -- Mr. Bruce Romero, representing the Colorado 9-1-1 Resource Center, testified to the task force. Mr. Romero stated that a majority of 911 calls nationwide and in Colorado do not come from traditional telephones, and instead originate from cellular phones and VoIP. He also explained funding in Vermont, and the ability to audit providers to ensure that 911 fees are being remitted to the state. He discussed NextGen911, and possibilities for funding the implementation of NextGen911 in Colorado. Mr. Romero provided information concerning text-to-911 services in Colorado, and location identification for 911 calls.



Mr. Romero responded to a question concerning the issues Colorado may face in implementing NextGen911, including contracting with a provider to implement a NextGen911 system.





03:19 PM -- Ms. Monica Million, chair of the 911 Advisory Task Force within the Colorado PUC, introduced herself to the task force.





03:20 PM -- Mr. Dave Sehnert, representing himself, testified to the task force. He discussed NextGen911. He also mentioned states implementing NextGen911 that the task force may wish to study. Mr. Sehnert responded to a question concerning FirstNet.





03:26 PM -- Mr. Joseph Benkert, counsel to Boulder Regional Telephone Service Authority and member of the FCC's Task Force on Optimal Public Safety Answering Point Architecture, testified to the task force. He discussed NextGen911 implementation, and concerns regarding the relationship between implementation and outages. He also discussed security concerns surrounding digital networks. He explained other issues concerning implementing and transitioning to NextGen911 service. Mr. Benkert commented on, and responded to a question concerning, PUC regulation of 911 services.





03:37 PM



Mr. Benkert responded to a question concerning outages and NextGen911. He specifically discussed outage reporting requirements.





03:43 PM -- Ms. Kimberly Culp, representing the Larimer Emergency Telephone Authority, testified before the task force. She introduced herself to the task force, and discussed Colorado's 911 service, generally. She discussed the 911 network in Larimer County, and specifically addressed outages. Ms. Culp also discussed 911 service funding.





03:50 PM



Senator Scheffel provided closing remarks.





03:52 PM



The committee adjourned.