Verizon has joined the Industry Council for Emergency Response Technologies (iCERT), the council announced.

The council, which represents vendors in the emergency communications field, was established in December 2005 and speaks on behalf of companies who would be affected by public policy issues impacting 911 and the emergency response system.

"With an extensive history of working alongside public safety agencies and commercial partners to ensure that our nation's citizens, residents and visitors have dependable access to emergency calling—and that our public safety professionals can communicate effectively—including Verizon in the industry council will enhance our perspective as we address critical concerns in emergency communications and response," offered George Rice, the industry council's executive director.

Verizon has been working with public safety to address emergency communications issues including the implementation of enhanced 911 capabilities, promoting efforts to make advanced emergency alert capabilities available to wireless users, and supporting efforts to build a nationwide public safety broadband network.

"It's crucial that industry leaders establish and maintain relationships where key emergency communications issues can be discussed," said Don Brittingham, Verizon's vice president for national security and public safety policy. "Our company has joined this growing association because it offers an outstanding forum for collaboration and research that will lead to improved public safety communications and emergency response."

Verizon's "strong reputation for technology leadership and network reliability also align well with the industry council's broader mission to promote the development of an advanced emergency technology infrastructure for first responders and the public at large," according to an industry council release.

"Industry executives provide unique perspectives on using technology to advance public safety," said Kevin Murray, chairman of the council, as well as president and chief executive of Mission Critical Partners. "We are very pleased that Verizon has joined the industry council and we look forward to their participation in our important dialogue on emergency communications."