Next Generation 911
For more than 50 years, 9-1-1 systems have served the needs of the public in emergencies. As communication technologies have evolved to include wireless phones, text and picture messaging, video chat, social media, and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) devices, the public expects that 9-1-1 services will also be able to accept information from these communication methods. While efforts are underway across the nation to enable call centers to accept text messages, the future success of 9-1-1 in serving the public's needs will only be possible when Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) have transitioned to an Internet Protocol (IP)-based 9-1-1 system, commonly referred to as Next Generation 9-1-1 or NG9-1-1.
NG9-1-1 will enhance emergency number services by creating a faster, more resilient system that allows digital information (e.g., voice, photos, videos, text messages) to flow seamlessly from the public, through the 9-1-1 network and eventually, directly to first responders. It will also enable 9-1-1 call centers to transfer 9-1-1 calls to other call centers, and help them deal with call overload, disasters, and day-to-day transfer of 9-1-1 calls to other jurisdictions.
Grant Program Background
As authorized by the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (Act), NTIA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded $109,250,000 of funding for a grant program to upgrade public safety answering points (PSAPs) to NG9-1-1 capabilities.
Next Generation 9-1-1 Fact Sheets
NTIA’s Office of Public Safety Communications (OPSC) promotes NG9-1-1 as an important way to enhance public safety response. The below fact sheets provide an overview of NG9-1-1 technologies and potential benefits for Emergency Communications Centers (ECCs).
NTIA OPSC’s Advancing Public Safety Communications to Save Lives fact sheet defines NG9-1-1and highlights the key differences between legacy and NG9-1-1 systems.
NTIA OPSC’s Improving 9-1-1 Operations with Artificial Intelligence fact sheet explores potential applications for AI, including call triage, geofencing, transcription, and translation, and discusses how these services help Emergency Communications Centers (ECCs) and telecommunicators.
Applications for the 9-1-1 Grant Program were due on April 2, 2019, and a full description of the program requirements is provided in the 9-1-1 Grant Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Specifically, the 9-1-1 Grant Program provided financial assistance to PSAPs to help fund their migration to IP-enabled emergency networks; adoption of NG9-1-1 services and applications, interconnection with emergency response organizations; and training of public safety personnel in 9-1-1 services.
Related content
Final Rule for 911 Grant Program
AGENCY: National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), Commerce (DOC); and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Department of Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY: This action revises the implementing regulations for the 911 Grant Program, as a result of the enactment of the Next Generation 911 (NG911) Advancement Act of 2012. The 911 Grant Program provides grants to improve 911 services, E–911 services, and NG911 services and applications.
U.S Department of Commerce Seeks Comment on Proposed Rules for 911 Grant Program
Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the issuing of a notice of proposed rulemaking that outlines implementing regulations for the 911 Grant Program.