The pilot project was a public-private partnership between the Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA), Franklin County, Patrick County and Colorado-based Intrado, the company under contract to install the new 9-1-1 networks.

Franklin County to deploy next-generation 9-1-1 network Source: Franklin News Friday, December 16, 2011 Franklin County has announced plans to deploy a next-generation 9-1-1 network in 2012. The announcement follows the successful completion earlier this year of a 24-month NG9-1-1 pilot program. The pilot project was a public-private partnership between the Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA), Franklin County, Patrick County and Colorado-based Intrado, the company under contract to install the new 9-1-1 networks. Under the current project schedule, Intrado and Franklin County officials expect to install and activate the NG9-1-1 systems early next year, according to Bill Agee, manager of Emergency Communications for Franklin County. The upgraded networks will provide the county's emergency communications center with advanced 9-1-1 capabilities and the foundation to offer future services that include the ability to accept text messages, cell phone pictures, video clips and other data. "We're extremely pleased to be among the first 9-1-1 centers in Virginia to offer residents the advanced capabilities that next-generation 9-1-1 technology can deliver," Agee said. "Our new emergency communications system will enable us to provide a new and better level of 9-1-1 service, while also putting in place the framework that will allow us, emergency responders, county residents and visitors to benefit from new life-saving technology as it becomes available." The IP-based NG9-1-1 technology upgrades are being funded by the Virginia Wireless E-911 Services Board's public safety answering point (PSAP) grant program, administered by VITA. "The people of Virginia expect and deserve the best and most advanced 9-1-1 services that our public safety agencies can provide," said Dorothy Spears-Dean, public safety communications coordinator for VITA. "The installation early next year of NG9-1-1 networks in Franklin County further demonstrates our commitment to implementing Virginia's statewide comprehensive 9-1-1 plan, an important initiative for improving public safety for all of Virginia's residents and visitors."