The Industry Council for Emergency Response Technologies (iCERT) represents the voice of the commercial sector in the emergency communications field. Established by a group of prominent leaders in December 2005 originally as the 9-1-1 Industry Alliance, iCERT - the Industry Council - plays an important role as the voice of companies on public policy issues impacting 9-1-1 and the emergency response system. Industry Council members believe that business leaders’ expertise can assist public policymakers and government emergency communications professionals as they address complex choices regarding advanced communications technology alternatives in the years ahead. Through advocacy, research and in coordination with the public sector, the Industry Council plays a vital role in the development and deployment of emergency response technologies.

As detailed in the group's founding Mission Statement, the Industry Council was created to represent the emergency communications industry in the development of emergency technology infrastructure and policy, for the good of public safety and the public it serves, by:

• assuring adequate funding for 9-1-1;
• conducting scientifically credible and objective research to support innovation and implementation in the emergency response technology industry for the benefit of the public;
• bringing together industry leaders in order to maximize the value of research and development investment for the benefit of the public;
• creating a constructive environment to conduct programs to further the science and technology of emergency communications for the proactive development of technologies and operational strategies to advance and improve emergency communications service for the benefit of the public;
• representing the industry before the public and governmental bodies for the benefit of the public; and working in concert with public safety and emergency communications administration and officials from organizations such as NENA, NASNA and APCO.