The start of the implementation of one of the most important projects to modernize 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 Defense Force and CYTA, with a project implementation duration of 20 months, the Ministry of Interior announced.
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, image, 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 crucial.
The system will operate as the national Emergency Call Center, serving all the Response Services of the Republic, including the Fire Service, the Cyprus Police, the Ambulance Service, the Forestry Department, the National Guard, the Search and Rescue Coordination Center and the Civil Defense.
The implementation of the project will enable the unified management of all emergency communications at the national level, substantially upgrading the operational capabilities of the competent 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 his videotaped statement, the Minister of the Interior, Mr. Konstantinos Ioannou, welcomes the signing of the agreement, pointing out that “after the implementation of the CY-Alert system, the upgrade of the 112 emergency number is another essential step towards a more modern, efficient and reliable emergency incident management”.
With the completion of NG112, Mr. Ioannou adds, the Republic of Cyprus will have a modern, unified and durable emergency call management system, fully harmonized with European standards, which will significantly strengthen civil protection, public safety and the protection of human life, responding to the modern needs of society and the expectations of citizens.