The start of the implementation of one of the most important projects for the modernization of the emergency services of the Republic of Cyprus is marked by the recent signing of the agreement for the development of the Next Generation NG112 System. The agreement was signed between the Civil Defence Force and CYTA, with a project implementation period of 20 months.
According to an announcement by the Ministry of Interior, the project is a strategic investment for the country and is part of the harmonization of the Republic of Cyprus with the European regulatory and technological framework governing emergency communications.
The NG112 System will enable the management of voice calls, real-time text messages, video, location data and automated eCalls from vehicles, providing first responders with more complete and faster information in critical incidents, where every second can prove decisive.
The system will operate as the national Emergency Call Receiving Centre, serving all the Republic's Response Services, including the Fire Service, the Cyprus Police, the Ambulance Service, the Department of Forests, the National Guard, the Search and Rescue Coordination Centre and the Civil Defence.
The implementation of the project will allow the unified management of all emergency communications at national level, substantially upgrading the operational capabilities of the relevant services and improving the time and quality of their response. At the same time, it will ensure equal access for people with disabilities to emergency services, in line with European standards.
In a videotaped statement, the Minister of Interior, Mr. Konstantinos Ioannou, welcomes the signing of the agreement, pointing out that "following the implementation of the CY-Alert system, the upgrade of the emergency number 112 is another essential step towards a more modern, efficient and reliable emergency management".
With the completion of NG112, Mr. Ioannou adds, the Republic of Cyprus will have a modern, unified and resilient emergency call management system, fully harmonized with European standards, which will significantly enhance civil protection, public safety and the protection of human life, responding to the modern needs of society and the expectations of citizens.
