Story last updated at 5/25/2008 - 12:48 pm
New E911 system switchover delayed
Problems arising in new Alaska Communications Systems circuits will delay Thursday's scheduled transition to the new upgraded E911 emergency dispatch system.
The Kenai Peninsula Borough Office of Emergency Management announced Wednesday that emergency 911 calls would continue to be handled by the existing router equipment until further notice.
In a press release, OEM coordinator Scott Walden said a new transition -- or cutover -- date would be announced after the Memorial Day weekend holiday.
"Due to the critical nature of the system, OEM requires high dependability of these circuits to assure calls through the 911 system are properly routed and received," he said.
ACS officials notified OEM late Tuesday that issues with the new circuits had not been resolved.
The upgrade to the borough's Enhanced 911 System consists of a new router, a $511,000 piece of equipment authorized by the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly by emergency ordinance in March.
When fully operational, it is expected to provide additional reliability and quicker response for residents in emergencies, according to the Kenai Peninsula Borough Office of Emergency Management.
For more information, call Walden at 262-4910
Hal Spence can be reached at hspence@ptialaska.net.
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