Alabama Administrative Code Title 225 - ALABAMA COMMERCIAL MOBILE RADIO SERVICE EMERGENCY TELEPHONE SERVICE BOARD
Alabama Administrative Code - Title 225
Alabama Commercial Mobile Radio Service Emergency Telephone Service Board
Overview
The Alabama Commercial Mobile Radio Service Emergency Telephone Service Board (also known as the CMRS Board) is a regulatory body established under Alabama state law to oversee the implementation and operation of 911 emergency telephone services. This includes both wireline and wireless (mobile) systems for emergency calls. The CMRS Board is responsible for overseeing the funding, regulation, and operation of the emergency communication system for the state.
Key Areas of the Code
1. Establishment of the CMRS Board
The CMRS Board was established to manage and facilitate emergency telephone services.
The Board’s responsibilities include overseeing the funding and technology related to 911 services, ensuring they are available to all Alabama residents.
2. Purpose and Function
The CMRS Board has a range of responsibilities:
Administration of the state’s 911 emergency communication system, including funding and equipment standards.
Allocation of funds raised through service charges on wireless phone subscriptions to support the operation and enhancement of 911 services across the state.
Approval and oversight of local government expenditures for 911 services.
Ensuring compliance with federal and state laws regarding the provision of emergency telephone services.
3. Funding and Charges
CMRS Board’s Funding Sources:
The Board collects funds through a monthly charge imposed on wireless phone subscribers. The charge is used to fund the 911 systems, maintain infrastructure, and pay for local 911 call center operations.
Disbursement of Funds:
The funds collected from these charges are distributed to local government authorities responsible for 911 operations.
Regulation of Fund Use:
Strict guidelines are in place on how funds are to be spent, ensuring that they are used exclusively for improving and maintaining 911 services and related technologies.
4. Responsibilities of Wireless Providers
Wireless telephone service providers are required to contribute to the 911 system fund based on a per-subscriber charge.
Providers are also required to comply with technical standards for delivering accurate location information to emergency dispatch centers for mobile 911 calls.
There are also obligations for providers to assist in the implementation and maintenance of next-generation 911 services.
5. 911 Service Requirements
Service Availability:
Every Alabama resident should have access to basic 911 services regardless of their service provider.
Next-generation 911 (NG911):
The CMRS Board is responsible for overseeing the transition to NG911 services, which will enable text messaging, video calls, and other advanced forms of communication with emergency dispatch centers.
Reliability Standards:
The Board ensures that 911 services are reliable, redundant, and available 24/7 across the state, including rural and remote areas.
6. Coordination with Local Governments
The CMRS Board works closely with local emergency authorities, such as police, fire, and medical services, to ensure that emergency response systems are coordinated and that 911 call centers are staffed and equipped appropriately.
Local jurisdictions receive funding from the CMRS Board to help maintain their 911 systems and to upgrade technology.
7. Auditing and Compliance
The CMRS Board is authorized to conduct audits and assessments to ensure that the funds distributed to local jurisdictions are being used appropriately and in compliance with state regulations.
Regular reporting is required from local 911 authorities regarding the use of funds and the performance of their systems.
8. Technology Standards and Upgrades
The CMRS Board sets technical standards for 911 systems to ensure they meet current technological demands, including the ability to handle voice, text, and video communications.
The Board oversees the implementation of automatic location identification (ALI) and automatic number identification (ANI) systems to improve the efficiency and accuracy of emergency responses.
9. Emergency Services and Public Awareness
The Board also works on public education efforts to raise awareness about how to use 911 services effectively, including what information to provide during an emergency call.
The Board may assist local communities in creating outreach programs to encourage the public to maintain updated contact information for emergency purposes.
10. Legal Compliance and Enforcement
The CMRS Board has the authority to issue penalties and enforce compliance with all rules and regulations related to 911 services.
Non-compliance by service providers, local authorities, or other stakeholders may result in sanctions, including fines or suspension of funding.
Key Regulations:
Establishing and maintaining the 911 system to serve Alabama residents.
Imposing charges on mobile service subscribers to fund 911 operations.
Ensuring data and technical accuracy for emergency calls, including location tracking for mobile calls.
Managing funds and overseeing disbursements to local 911 authorities and jurisdictions.
Ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations governing emergency telecommunication services.
Purpose of the CMRS Board Regulations
Ensure the availability and effectiveness of 911 services for all Alabama residents, no matter where they live.
Regulate funding for 911 services, ensuring it is used appropriately for maintaining and upgrading emergency communication systems.
Promote the development and implementation of next-generation 911 technology, ensuring the state is ready to handle new types of communication in emergencies.
Coordinate efforts with local authorities, telecommunications providers, and other stakeholders to deliver the best possible service.
This code serves as the foundation for emergency communication services within Alabama, ensuring that emergency calls are handled in a timely, efficient, and reliable manner, while maintaining transparency and accountability in how funds are spent. The CMRS Board helps shape the future of emergency services by encouraging technological advancements and coordinating efforts across various stakeholders in the state.
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