ESA: Two House Bills Could Impact How Central Stations Operate, Interact With Customers

  • Oct 22, 2009

The Electronic Security Association is alerting its members that two bills being considered in the House Communications, Technology and Internet sub-committee could impact the way central stations operate and interact with their customers.

On September 22, Rep. Jason Altmire (D-Penn.) introduced H.R. 3621, the “Call Center Consumer’s Right to Know Act,” which would require employees of any U.S. company or its subsidiary using call centers to disclose the physical location of the employee at the beginning of the phone call. The bill also requires the companies to certify their compliance with this mandate to the Federal Trade Commission every year. In the bill, a call center is defined as “…a location that provides customer-based service and sales assistance or technical assistance and expertise to individuals located in the United States via telephone, the Internet, or other telecommunications and information technology.”

Introduced on October 1, H.R. 3717, also called the “Kelsey Smith Act,” seeks to amend the Communication Act of 1934. The Kelsey Smith Act aims to facilitate more responsive coordination between law enforcement, fire and EMS agencies and wireless cell phone carriers during emergencies involving missing persons. The bill requires wireless phone companies to swiftly respond to law enforcement requests for location information of victims who are in jeopardy of death or serious physical harm. It has been referred to the House Communications, Technology and Internet sub-committee chaired by Rep. Boucher (D-Va.) and ranking member Rep. Stearns (R-Fla.).

ESA notified the Alarm Industry Communications Committee, comprised of representatives from the Central Station Alarm Association, ESA, the Security Industry Association and major alarm companies and manufacturers, of these two bills. ESA will continue to monitor them and work in coordination with the AICC to get a collective industry position on them. ESA will also be in contact with each of these representatives’ offices to find out more information.

Featured

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.