Single emergency number to be introduced soon

Nepal Telecommunication Authority is working to introduce a single emergency number. It has conducted a study on its plan to introduce a single integrated emergency number and released the consultancy paper in it.

Currently, there are multiple three-digit emergency numbers in use for emergency services. 100 is used for police, 101 used for fire brigade, 102 is used for ambulance, 103 for valley traffic police and 104 for Children Search coordination center among others.

Selecting a single emergency number would help the public to reach to emergency services conveniently when needed. 112 is widely used in Europe and 911 is used in America as an emergency number.

The consultation paper has recommended implementing a primary and secondary emergency number. It has recommended 112 to as a primary emergency number and 911 and second alternate emergency number. It has suggested 100, 101 and 102 as traditional emergency numbers as these numbers are existing emergency numbers. And aware people to use these numbers for the non-emergency purpose. It recommends to set up an Integrated Emergency Communication and Response System (IECRS) which should have a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) to help people to connect for any kind of emergency help.

The integrated emergency number can access the emergency services even when the device is locked, without balance or out of coverage of the network. Not only this, IECRS would be able to locate you during crisis time even you are unable to report your location.  Currently, existing emergency numbers can’t be reached from all across the country and from small network companies, which will not be a problem in the new integrated emergency number.

Nepal Telecommunication Authority has issued this consultation paper to concerned stakeholders and asked them to send in suggestions within 45 days. Considering the suggestions provided from them NTA will forward it to MoIC. If it gets approved NTA will start working on technical preparations.