The FCC adopted rules to expedite the transition to Next Generation 911 (NG911), to help ensure that the nation’s 911 system functions effectively. Commissioners want to support the deployment of advanced 911 capabilities—including video, text, and data—that will help first responders save lives and improve 911 interoperability, security, and system resilience.
Each year, people who need emergency help make more than 200 million calls to 911 in the United States. State and local 911 authorities are now transitioning to NG911 by replacing analog wireline and circuit-switched technology to NG911.
“That means that going forward carriers must translate and route 911 calls in an IP-based format when a state or local 911 system can accept next-generation 911 calls,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel during last Thursday’s 5-0 vote. “Our rules will create a consistent federal framework to assist with the transition to NG911 nationwide,” she explained.
As state and local 911 authorities have begun to invest significantly in NG911, some originating service providers have delayed connecting to these IP networks, which prolongs the transition process and increases costs for public safety, according to the agency. That’s why the FCC adopted what officials say are the first nationwide NG911 transition rules. They define the responsibilities and set deadlines for originating service providers to implement 911 call capabilities on their networks and deliver those calls.
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
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