LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — State regulators are concerned that a new digital phone and Internet provider won’t be able to provide reliable 911 service during a disaster.

The Nebraska Public Service Commission is concerned about Rise Broadband’s service that’s being offered near Columbus and St. Libory, Nebraska.

The company uses a fixed wireless service that antennae to beam signals between locations.

The commission’s Gene Hand says that approach makes the service potentially vulnerable to power outages, Internet congestion or even radio interference.

But Damon Estep, senior vice president for technology at the company that owns Rise, says its service is just as reliable as normal landline phone service.

Rise is receiving $16.9 million in federal funding to expand broadband and voice service in rural areas of five states.