CenturyLink is critical to 9-1-1 services throughout the U.S. They have a 9-1-1 division to which a very large number of municipalities outsource. Even military installations outsource parts or all of their 9-1-1 operations to CenturyLink.
This CenturyLink division has historically acted very carelessly in regards to securing these systems. Getting them to take ownership of their contractual obligations can be difficult.
Criticism of their operations is very sensitive. Pointing out any vulnerabilities can be prosecuted as an act of terrorism. A post as simple as this one comes with significant risk.
While I'm not refuting any of your claims, do you have a source for them? It sound like typical big corp behavior, albeit worse because of the importance of emergency services.
This CenturyLink division has historically acted very carelessly in regards to securing these systems. Getting them to take ownership of their contractual obligations can be difficult.
Criticism of their operations is very sensitive. Pointing out any vulnerabilities can be prosecuted as an act of terrorism. A post as simple as this one comes with significant risk.