Code of Vermont Rules › Agency 31 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SERVICE › Sub-Agency 010 - VERMONT ENHANCED 9-1-1 BOARD › Chapter 002 - TECHNICAL AND OPERATIONAL STANDARDS FOR ENHANCED 9-1-1 › Section 31 010 002 - TECHNICAL AND OPERATIONAL STANDARDS FOR ENHANCED 9-1-1

Current through June, 2024
Section 1 Mission
				Statement
The Vermont Enhanced 9-1-1 Board was created in 1994 by Act
				  197 (30 V.S.A.). The Board is responsible for the design and implementation of
				  a reliable and efficient statewide enhanced 9-1-1 emergency calling service,
				  which automatically routes the call to the appropriate answering location and
				  which subsequently provides a display of a caller's telephone number and
				  location. The 1994 Legislature determined that enhanced 9-1-1 would further the
				  safety, health, and welfare of the state's citizens.
Section 2 Scope and Purpose
This document contains technical and operational standards
				  prepared by the Enhanced 9-1-1 Board as required under 30 V.S.A.. These
				  standards are firmly based on national enhanced 9-1-1 standards and are
				  designed to assist in the development and operation of a reliable, uniform
				  statewide enhanced 9-1-1 system. The Board may modify and update these
				  standards as needed to take advantage of changes in technology during planning
				  and later as identified during the operation of the system. Any changes and
				  modifications of standards shall supersede those previously promulgated.
INTRODUCTION
Section
				3 The 9-1-1 Concept
The concept of a nationwide emergency telephone number was
				  first adopted in Great Britain in 1937. Since then, other countries in Europe
				  and elsewhere have employed a three-digit uniform emergency number. In the
				  United States, President Johnson's Commission on Law Enforcement and
				  Administration of Criminal Justice recommended a nationally uniform three-digit
				  number in 1967 and a year later, AT&T announced it had reserved the numbers
				  9-1-1 for emergency use nationwide.
In 1992, the Vermont Department of Public Service (DPS), in
				  response to concerns raised by consumers, emergency service providers, and
				  Legislators, initiated a study of 9-1-1. In 1993, the Vermont Legislature
				  passed Act 83, which provided funding and direction to the DPS for further
				  analysis and study. In 1994, S.311, a law enabling implementation of statewide
				  enhanced 9-1-1, was passed by the Vermont Legislature and signed by the
				  Governor (Act 197, or 30 V.S.A.).
The Legislature determined that a single, statewide emergency
				  number providing access to Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs), and capable
				  of mobilizing a broad range of lifesaving services, would result in faster,
				  more coordinated and efficient emergency response.
Section 4 Implementing the Concept
Key to implementing effective enhanced 9-1-1 service is
				  ensuring direct access from the caller to the authority having responsibility
				  for mobilizing the broadest possible range of emergency interventions.
In Vermont, the responsibility and authority for delivering
				  emergency medical services, fire protection, and law enforcement generally
				  rests with municipalities. This is true even when supplemental services are
				  performed by others, such as private ambulance companies or independent public
				  authorities and non-profit organizations with limited internal fire protection
				  and security forces.
Section
				5 The Importance of a Statewide Standard
Vermont's citizens and visitors deserve the highest uniform
				  standard of public safety available. The existence of a statewide standard
				  takes advantage of the economies of scale inherent in consolidating and
				  coordinating government response to emergencies and helps maximize the use of
				  public resources while setting the stage for better service. This standard
				  embodies the best nationally-accepted philosophies, concepts and operating
				  practices and is the result of the experience and latest thinking of many who
				  have traveled this route before us.
Section 6 Definitions
Abandoned Call , a call placed to 9-1-1 in which the caller
				  disconnects before the call can be answered by the PSAP call taker.
ADA , Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
Agency , the municipality, county, state government, or
				  private entity that operates a Public Service Answering Point.
Alternate Routing , the capability of automatically rerouting
				  9-1-1 calls to a designated alternate location(s) (called an alternate PSAP) if
				  all 9-1-1 trunks from a central office or to a PSAP are busy or out of service.
				  May also be activated upon request, or automatically if detectable, when 9-1-1
				  equipment fails or the PSAP itself is disabled.
American Sign Language (ASL) , a visual language based on
				  hand shape, position, movement, and orientation of the hands in relation to
				  each other and the body.
Answering Position , an appropriately equipped location
				  within a PSAP that is used to receive incoming 9-1-1 calls.
Approved by the Board , a simple majority vote by members of
				  the Statewide Enhanced 9-1-1 Board taken at a public meeting of the Board at
				  which a quorum of the Board is present.
ASCII , an acronym for American Standard Code for Information
				  Inter-exchange which employs an eight bit code for the purpose of transmitting
				  data.
Audible Signal , a sound which indicates an incoming 9-1-1
				  call.
Auto-Dial , a PSAP function which allows an attendant to dial
				  an outgoing programmable telephone number with a single button.
Automatic Call Distributor (ACD) , equipment that distributes
				  incoming calls to available PSAP attendants in the order the calls are
				  received, or holds calls until an attendant becomes available.
Automatic Location Identification or "ALI" , the system
				  capability to identify automatically the geographical location of the telephone
				  being used by the caller and to provide a display of that location information
				  at any public safety answering point.
ALI data base , a derivative, verified set of records which
				  contain, at a minimum, a telephone number and location identification for each
				  unique building or publicly-used facility within a defined geographic area in
				  Vermont.
Automatic Number Identification or "ANI" , the system
				  capability to identify automatically the calling telephone number and to
				  provide a display of that number at any public safety answering point.
Average Busiest Hour , the one hour period during the week
				  statistically shown over time-to be the hour in which the, most emergency
				  telephone calls are received.
Barge-In Capability , the capability for multiple PSAP
				  operators to establish simultaneous access to any emergency line or trunk in
				  prior use for the purpose of assisting fellow personnel with difficult
				  calls.
Baudot, a seven bit code , only five of which are information
				  bits. Baudot is used by text telephones to communicate with each other.
Board , the Vermont Enhanced 9-1-1 Board.
CAD Interface , the means of automatically introducing the
				  ALI data into a computer aided dispatch (CAD) system, rather than by manually
				  entering the information.
Call Relay , disposition of a 9-1-1 call by the notation of
				  pertinent information by the PSAP attendant who forwards the information to the
				  appropriate agency.
Call Referral , disposition of a 9-1-1 call by advice to the
				  caller of the appropriate numbers to call other than 9-1-1.
Call Sequencer , equipment that distributes incoming calls to
				  available PSAP positions in sequence.
Call Transfer , the extending of a 9-1-1 call by a PSAP
				  attendant to connect the caller with the appropriate agency.
Central Office , a telephone company facility that houses the
				  switching and trunking equipment serving telephones in a defined area.
Central Office Modification , hardware and/or software
				  changes to a telephone company central office to specifically accommodate
				  Enhanced 9-1-1 service.
Central Office Upgrade , scheduled hardware and/or software
				  changes to a telephone company central office to improve the overall telephone
				  service from that site.
Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) , a computer-based system
				  intended to increase the efficiency and accuracy of public safety call handling
				  and dispatching.
Continuous Logging Recorder , a device which records date,
				  time, voice and TTY communications, and other transactions involved in the
				  processing of calls to the PSAP.
Dedicated Trunk , a telephone circuit used for one purpose
				  only; i.e. transmission of 9-1-1 calls.
Dedicated Network , a point to point or multi point network
				  where resources (switching or transmission facility) are reserved for a
				  particular customer or type of traffic.
Default Routing , the capability to route a 9-1-1 call to a
				  designated (default) answering point (called a default PSAP) when the incoming
				  9-1-1 call cannot be selectively routed due to an ANI failure, garbled digits,
				  or other cause.
Department of Public Safety , The Vermont governmental entity
				  responsible for all matters of public safety, including emergency
				  management.
Department of Public Service (DPS) , The Vermont governmental
				  entity responsible for representing the interests of the public in regulated
				  utility matters.
Director , the Executive Director of the Vermont Enhanced
				  9-1-1 Board.
Duplicate Street Name , a street name in which the name and
				  any associated designator is exactly the same (example: Pine St. and Pine St.;
				  NOT Pine St. and Pine RD.)
Diverse Routing , the practice of routing calls through
				  different circuit paths in order to prevent total loss of the 9-1-1 system in
				  the event an individual circuit is disabled.
DMS, Data Management System , a system of manual procedures
				  and computer programs used to create, store and update the data required for
				  selective routing and ALI information in support of enhanced 9-1-1.
Emergency Service Providers , police (law enforcement), fire
				  and ambulance services.
Emergency Service Zone (ESZ) , a defined geographical
				  territory consisting of a specific combination of law enforcement, fire, and
				  emergency medical service coverage areas.
EMS , Emergency Medical Services. Municipal based, private
				  under municipal contract, private, or volunteer rescue squads or hospital based
				  Advanced Life Support agency/providers whose sole purpose is to provide EMS to
				  a municipality or group of municipalities.
BLS, Basic Life Support . An EMS agency providing a level of
				  basic life support service to a community.
ALS, Advanced Life Support . Advanced EMS provided by
				  Paramedics or EMTs with advanced training and who may not necessarily be part
				  of a community's BLS service.
Enhanced 9-1-1 System and enhanced 9-1-1 services , a system
				  consisting of selective routing with the capability of delivering automatic
				  number and location identification to a public safety answering point, network
				  circuits, data bases and answering equipment, the combination of which enables
				  a user to request emergency services by dialing the digits 9-1-1.
Enhanced 9-1-1 Equipment , equipment located at the PSAP or
				  controller type equipment located at the Service Provider's location that
				  provides or supports enhanced 9-1-1 capability.
Fixed Transfer , the capability of a PSAP attendant to
				  transfer a 9-1-1 call using a single button.
Foreign Exchange (FX) , a service connecting a telephone to a
				  remote exchange providing the equivalent of local service from the distant
				  exchange.
Host-Remote , the relationship between conventional central
				  office switching equipment and a Remote Switching Unit (RSU) in another
				  facility which usually has limited capability and may not be able to function
				  independently if connecting links from the host office are interrupted.
Identical Street Name , (see Duplicate Street Name)
Instant Playback Recorder, a device that allows for the
				  instant playback of the audio portion of the last 9-1-1 call.
Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) Basic Service ,
				  provides an integrated digital access to voice, switched data and packet
				  switched data transport services using ISDN network technology. ISDN Basic
				  Service provides two bearer (B) channels which are capable of transmitting
				  voice, circuit switched data and packet switched data at speeds of up to 64
				  kilobits per second (Kbps) and one signaling (D) channel used for call control
				  and transmission of packet switched data at rates up to 9.6 Kbps.
Local Enhanced 9-1-1 System , an independent local system
				  that is not funded by the State Enhanced 9-1-1 Fund, and which consists of
				  selective routing with the capability of delivering automatic number and
				  location identification to a public safety answering point, network circuits,
				  data bases and answering equipment, the combination of which enables a user to
				  request emergency services by dialing the digits 9-1-1.
Local Exchange Company (LEC) , includes all persons, firms,
				  corporations, associations and joint stock associations or companies, as
				  defined in
				  30 VSA §
											201, furnishing or rendering local telephone
				  exchange service.
May , indicates the possibility of taking action. (See also
				  shall, should)
MCO , Maintenance Control Office.
Municipality , any city, town, incorporated village, other
				  governmental unit, unorganized town, gore, grant or other political subdivision
				  of the State of Vermont.
MSAG , Master Street Address Guide
Network Provider, any communications company providing a
				  network and access to it.
PBX , Private Branch Exchange, a private telephone system
				  allowing communications within a business and between a business and the
				  outside world.
Private Telephone System , privately owned and operated
				  telephone systems that include PBX, Centrex, and key systems.
Public Service Board (PSB) , the quasi-judicial governmental
				  entity that regulates utilities.
Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) , a facility assigned
				  the responsibility of receiving 9-1-1 calls and, as appropriate, directly
				  dispatching emergency response services or transferring or relaying 9-1-1 calls
				  to other public or private safety agencies.
A Primary PSAP is equipped with automatic number
				  identification and automatic location identification displays, and is the first
				  point of reception of a 9-1-1 call. It may serve a municipality or a region,
				  and other cities and towns as may be determined by the Board.
A Primary PSAP may be located in a centralized, consolidated
				  radio dispatch facility that serves all public safety agencies in a region or
				  municipality. A Primary PSAP may also be engaged in, pursuant to
				  inter-municipal agreements in force, the dispatching, or control of public
				  safety resources serving several jurisdictions. A Primary PSAP shall be a
				  facility that serves at least two of the emergency services and that operates
				  on a 24 hour, seven days a week, 365 days a year basis.
A Secondary PSAP is equipped with automatic number
				  identification, automatic location identification displays and all other
				  features common to Primary PSAPs. It receives 9-1-1 calls only when they are
				  transferred from the Primary PSAP or on an alternate routing basis when calls
				  cannot be completed to the Primary PSAP.
A Limited Secondary Public Safety Answering Point, a facility
				  equipped, at a minimum, with ALI/ANI display/printout capability. It receives
				  9-1-1 calls only when they are transferred from the Primary PSAP. Data sent to
				  a Limited Secondary PSAP cannot be re-routed to another location and may not
				  necessarily be transmitted simultaneously with the voice call.
A Ringing Public Safety Answering Point, a facility equipped
				  for the receipt of voice communications only, which may not necessarily operate
				  twenty four hours each day. It receives 9-1-1 calls that are transferred from
				  the Primary PSAP.
Public Switched Network , a multi point network which
				  provides the capability to establish connections to essentially all customers
				  regardless of location.
Redundancy , having one or more "backup" systems available in
				  case of failure of the main system.
Selective Routing , a telecommunications switching system
				  that enables all 9-1-1 calls originating from within a defined geographical
				  region to be answered at a pre-designated PSAP.
Service Provider , any entity that provides a portion of the
				  state-wide enhanced 9-1-1 system to the system provider.
Shall , indicates a mandatory obligation to act. (See may,
				  should)
Should , indicates a recommendation or that which is advised
				  but not required. (See may, shall)
Silent Call , a 9-1-1 call received at a PSAP and no audible
				  voice or tone is received.
Supervisory Call Monitoring , the capability for supervisory
				  personnel to listen to calls in progress for purposes of quality assurance and
				  training.
System Provider , any entity that provides the entire
				  state-wide enhanced 9-1-1 system (general contractor) and is the single point
				  of contact on an ongoing basis for any matters relating to the system.
Tandem , a switching system in the enhanced 9-1-1 telephone
				  network that establishes 9-1-1 call routing.
TTY , a telecommunications device consisting of modems that
				  permit typed telephone conversations with or between deaf, hard of hearing or
				  speech impaired people.
TTY Call Diverter , a device that monitors and detects Baudot
				  tones and ASCII and then automatically routes the TTY call to a specified
				  position.
TTY Detector , a device that monitors a trunk for Baudot
				  tones and ASCII and upon recognition, indicates the receipt of that type of
				  call with a response sequence.
Text Telephone (TT) , a machine that employs graphic
				  communication in the transmission of coded signals through a wire or radio
				  communication system. It is interchangeable with the term "TTY" or
				  "telecommunications device for the deaf."
Trunk , incoming 9-1-1 circuit.
Trunk Seizure , the point at which a call is assigned to a
				  trunk and acknowledgment is provided by the 9-1-1 call processing
				  equipment.
TT , Text Telephone
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) , a system designed to
				  provide power indefinitely, without delay or transients, during a period when
				  the normal power supply is incapable of performing acceptably.
Section 7 9-1-1 System Design -
				Technical Standards
(1) Network - Central
				Office
(a) Modification of Central Offices
The telephone companies shall identify all costs associated
				  with modifying, upgrading and programming central offices that have been
				  allocated to the 9-1-1 funding structure. The telephone companies shall explain
				  the method and reason for any and all such allocations. Enhanced 9-1-1
				  modifications in central offices should be coordinated with general central
				  office upgrades where practical and where such coordination does not
				  significantly delay implementation.
(b) Central Office Upgrade
The telephone companies shall also provide to the Board, on
				  an annual basis, the current schedules for upgrading central offices.
In scheduling central office equipment upgrades and dial with
				  dial replacements, telephone companies shall:
1. consider the goal of public safety as a
				criterion of utmost importance,
2.
				take enhanced 9-1-1 growth in Vermont into consideration, and
3. make every effort to reduce the total
				costs that are allocated to telephone companies' ratepayers either through the
				enhanced 9-1-1 program funding structure or through the telephone companies'
				general recovery of their costs for central office upgrades.
(c) Host-Remote Central Offices
The current Remote-Host umbilical network in Vermont may
				  introduce a single point of failure in the proposed enhanced 9-1-1 network.
				  Loss of umbilical connectivity to a host switch will isolate subscribers in the
				  remote exchange from the enhanced 9-1-1 network and normal calling would be
				  restricted to the exchange boundaries. Additionally, a PSAP served by a Remote
				  Switch that experiences loss of communications its HOST switch will encounter
				  isolation from the enhanced 9-1-1 network.
The telephone companies shall work with the Board and system
				  provider to identify vulnerabilities, determine restorative alternatives and
				  provide to the Board a disaster recovery contingency plan which includes
				  strategies and procedures designed to mitigate the isolation of remote switch
				  exchanges. In host-remote telephone central office arrangements, the telephone
				  company shall, where feasible, provide emergency re-route solutions for any
				  potential central office failure utilizing land line and wireless
				  technologies.
(d) 9-1-1
				Digit Recognition
Provisions in the network shall ensure that only calls in
				  which all three digits (9-1-1) are dialed, shall enter the 9-1-1 system. The
				  network shall also prevent larger dialing sequences which contain the digits
				  9-1-1, from entering the 9-1-1 system.
(e) Foreign Exchange And WATS Service
The telephone company shall allow for access to 9-1-1 from
				  intrastate foreign exchanges and contiguous inter-state foreign exchanges in
				  states providing enhanced 9-1-1. The telephone company shall also allow for
				  access to 9-1-1 from intrastate out WATS telephone service providers. Calls
				  placed to 9-1-1 should be routed to the PSAP serving the area in which the
				  facility (i.e., business) is located.
(f) Forced Disconnect
The 9-1-1 system shall be engineered to allow for forced
				  disconnect of 9-1-1 calls placed to all levels of PSAPs. This will prevent
				  blockage of 9-1-1 lines.
(g) Coin Free Dialing
Each telephone company and Customer Owned Coin Operated
				  Telephone (COCOT) system provider in the state shall convert each public or
				  private coin or coinless telephone to dial tone first capability to allow 9-1-1
				  calls to be made without first inserting a coin or paying any other charge.
				  Each provider of public or private coin or coinless telephones shall provide
				  access to the enhanced 9-1-1 PSAP serving the geographic location of the coin
				  phone, and prominently display instructions on how to use the service.
				  Conversion of said telephone shall be made prior to cut over in the community
				  where the instrument is located.