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America Online Joins with National Emergency Number Association -NENA- to Promote Better Understanding of Emergency CallingARLINGTON, Va. & DULLES, Va. --(Business Wire)-- April 7, 2005 -- -- AOL Becomes Member of NENA Operational/Educational Roundtable to Support Emergency Calling Standards, Policies and Procedures -- AOL Expands Safety Initiatives with New Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Service Featuring E9-1-1 Capabilities America Online, Inc., the world's leading interactive services company, today announced that it has become a program partner in the Next Generation E9-1-1 (NG E9-1-1) Program of the National Emergency Number Association (NENA), a not-for-profit organization dedicated solely to the study, advancement and implementation of 9-1-1 as America's universal emergency number. In carrying out its mission, NENA promotes research, planning, training and education. As part of NG E9-1-1, America Online will become a member of the Operational/Educational Roundtable, which will work to develop and implement appropriate operational standards, policies and procedures for emergency services. Additionally, AOL and NENA will work together to develop a multi-faceted public awareness campaign to educate consumers about access to Enhanced 9-1-1 services, along with the limitations, added capabilities and other factors regarding emergency call processing. "America Online has long been a technology leader with a real commitment to the safety and security of consumers. A great example of this is the fact that their just-launched VoIP service includes E9-1-1 capability as a standard feature, making sure users have access to emergency services," said Bill McMurray, NENA President. "This is why we see AOL as a tremendous asset to our Operational/Educational Roundtable." In related news, America Online today introduced the AOL(R) Internet Phone Service, an enhanced Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service initially offered to current and new AOL(R) members. It includes full E9-1-1 calling coverage in all of the markets targeted for the initial rollout of the service. E9-1-1 helps deliver a user's address-specific information in the event of an emergency. The AOL Internet Phone Service is available today in more than 40 markets across the United States and will be expanded to serve additional cities over the coming months. "As a participant in NENA's NG E9-1-1 Program, we're looking forward to making meaningful contributions that will support 9-1-1 and E9-1-1 services," said James Tobin, Vice President, Voice Strategy for America Online, Inc. "We believe we can help consumers take full advantage of the revolution underway in Internet voice technology, but we need to make sure that we are doing it in a way that puts safety first." About America Online, Inc. America Online, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Time Warner Inc. Based in Dulles, Virginia, America Online is the world's leader in interactive services, Web brands, Internet technologies and e-commerce services. To learn more about the AOL Internet Phone Service, visit www.AOL.com, AOL(R) Keyword: Internet Phone Service or call 1-877-265-7732. About the National Emergency Number Association A not-for-profit corporation, the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) is the only organization dedicated solely to the study, advancement, and implementation of 9-1-1 as America's universal emergency number. For more information visit www.nena.org. |
