US WEST Communications will spend $5.3 million over the next four years to upgrade central office facilities around the state to provide enhanced 911 emergency calling capabilities.
The improvements involve one-time spending needs that will provide additional lines, database preparation and equipment installation so that each of the state's 29 counties will be able to provide the emergency service.Then, it will be up to the various counties to determine whether the service should be implemented. The counties will be responsible for purchasing and installing the police communications equipment needed to make the system operational.
The Utah Public Service Commission recently authorized the spending as part of a rate order that slashed telephone rates by more than $21 million.
In the past, counties wanting the service have initiated a 50-cent per month fee on all telephone lines within the county to raise money for the equipment. That fee will now be waived. However, once the service is initiated, a 25-cent per month fee will be charged.