Dutch could see 112 emergency app - minister Opstelten

Dutch minister for safety and justice Ivo Opstelten said 112-apps could become a possibility in the future. These apps would allow people in emergency situations to reach police, firefighters or ambulances. An 112-SMS option is not a good enough alternative as there is no conversation, Opstelten said. The minister made the written statements in response to questions put by VVD MP Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert. Also, an emergency SMS system would get no priority on a network and so no guarantee of being sent or received. "The rise and increasing use of smartphones in the future is boosting other forms of communication between citizens and the 112 emergency number (such as Apps). This is currently being discussed at the European level," the minister said.