The Tennessee Emergency Communications Board(TECB), also known as the state 911 board, was created by the Tennessee General Assembly in 1998 to advance landline 911 service, implement wireless enhanced or “E-911” service, and to provide financial oversight of the state’s local Emergency Communications Districts(ECDs), which are statutorily defined municipalities. This authority, with its corresponding oversight of municipality operations, is unique in state government.

The board is an independent, quasi-regulatory and financial support organization with administrative services provided by the Department of Commerce and Insurance. The board is made up of 9 members, 8 appointed by the Governor for a fixed 4 year term and the 9th is the Comptroller of the Treasury or his/her designee. Randy Porter, Putnam’s 911 Director, currently serves as chairman of the board. He is one of the original board members appointed in 1998 and is currently serving his second term.

All of the board’s activities and wireless E-911 implementation costs are funded by a $1.00 monthly fee assessed on all cell phone users. Carriers and PSAPs submit requests for reimbursement of E-911 implementation costs to the board.

Tennessee’s approach to wireless E-911 implementation has proven quite successful and the state is recognized as a national leader.

Please check out the state 911 website at: www.state.tn.us/commerce/911