Official review of 111 underway

Following a number of 111 disruptions earlier in the year, the Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Steven Joyce, has said that a comprehensive review of the long term future of the 111 calling service will begin in the new year.

The review will ensure a framework is put in place which accommodates changing technologies, practices and structures.

Joyce explained, “The review will provide certainty about the governance framework that controls the component parts of the 111 call system, and how new methods of reaching emergency services should be implemented. 

“In particular, it will clarify who will have operational accountability for the delivery of the 111 calling service in each of the component parts, and who will have accountability for funding, maintaining, auditing, investigating and enforcing delivery of the 111 service component parts.”

The review has been discussed with emergency service providers and telecommunications providers, and both support the review.

A draft document will be release to the public “by the June quarter” of next year.