A new state law that takes effect on Thursday, January 1, will result in changes to 911 surcharges on residential and business lines and cellular phones.
The Anderson County Emergency Communications District said the new law, the 911 Funding Modernization and IP Transition Act of 2014, passed the Tennessee General Assembly in April. It changes the way 911 surcharges are collected and paid and affects all 911 districts in Tennessee, including Anderson County.
“It updates the existing model for funding 911 to account for changes in technology and consumer choice by establishing a single, uniform 911 surcharge rate across the state,” the Anderson County Emergency Communications District said in a press release.
The press release said the new uniform rate accounts for advancements in technology needed to provide Tennesseans with prompt and accurate 911 services, and it is intended to adequately fund local 911 services across Tennessee. Accordingly, all Anderson County residential and business lines, currently charged at 65 cents and $2.00 respectively, will be adjusted to $1.16 per month.
The cellular 911 surcharge will also be adjusted from $1.00 to $1.16 per month.
Under the new law, all communications providers will remit 911 fees to the Tennessee Emergency Communications Board, which in turn would remit 911 funds to local 911 Districts throughout Tennessee in the amount no less than the 911 revenue received by each district in 2012. In short, all telephone providers will pay the state, who will pass the revenue along to each local 911 district, the release said.
This law also supports the state’s Next Generation 911 program. Next Generation 911 will provide better information and data to first responders, which allows local 911 operators quickly assess an emergency and ensure that the necessary equipment and personnel can promptly respond to the scene.
The press release said the 911 Funding Modernization and IP Transition Act of 2014 will provide the resources necessary to ensure that the citizens of Tennessee receive the best 911 service available.
“Our highest priority is the public safety to the citizens of Anderson County,” the release said. “Dispatchers remain dedicated to ensure the quality of 911 service and response.”
The press release said the new uniform rate goes into effect January 1, and customers will likely notice a change reflecting the new rate on their January landline and cellular telephone bills.
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