Written question asked by Robert Neill (Conservative) on Tuesday, 16 March 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 March 2010. It was answered by Shahid Malik (Labour) on Tuesday, 30 March 2010 on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Fire Services: Emergency Calls

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer of 25 February 2010, Official Report, column 714W, on fire services: emergency calls, what the original timetable was for the launch of the SMS emergency number; what the original budget was; what the expected go-live date is; and what operational costs have been incurred to date.

Answer: The emergency SMS trial was launched by British telecommunications PLC on 14 September 2009 in accordance with the agreed with the mobile service providers and emergency services and is available nationally. BT is currently developing plans for providing capacity and resilience in the system which will allow the arrangements to be regarded as providing a full, rather than a trial, service.The service is being provided by BT and the mobile service providers at no cost to the emergency services, who should incur no operational costs.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 508 c1117W; 323146
Session: 2009-10
Related items: Fire Services: Emergency Calls
Thursday, 25 February 2010
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Fire and rescue services Emergency calls
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk