What is NG911?

Next Generation 911 (NG911) is a set of initiatives to update the 911 service infrastructure in the United States and Canada to improve public emergency communications services. In addition to the traditional ability of calling 9-1-1 from a phone, NG911 will enable the public to transmit text, images, video, and data to the public safety answering point (PSAP). PSAP is a blanket term that, in this case, refers to 9-1-1 call centers.

NG911 Under the 911 Improvement Act

In 2008, the 911 Improvement Act was passed by the US Congress. The act requires IP-enabled voice service providers to provide 9-1-1 service, authorizes state and tribal governments to levy fees to pay for the services, and directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to gather information to facilitate these services. The 911 Improvement Act also provides for grants to public agencies and requires various federal and state offices to develop a national plan for migrating to a national, IP-enabled emergency network.

How NG911 Works

In practice, NG911 will enhance emergency number services by creating a faster, more resilient system that allows digital information – in the form of voice, photos, videos, and text messages – to flow seamlessly through the 9-1-1 network directly to first responders. It will also enable PSAPs to easily transfer 9-1-1 calls to other call centers, and help them manage call overload, and disasters, beyond simple day-to-day transfers of 9-1-1 calls to other jurisdictions.

Beyond transmitting calls, text messages, and visual data, NG911 will enable PSAPs to receive data from a wide variety of sources to provide as much information as possible to first responders. To this end, NG911 aims to incorporate information from personal safety devices such as Advanced Automatic Collision Notification (AACN) systems, telematics data, building plans, medical information, and sensors. NG911 will also provide accessibility features to assist individuals with hearing or vision impairment.

Migration to NG911

The NG911 systems combine Emergency Services IP networks, IP-based software services and applications, databases, and data management processes that are interconnected to PSAP equipment. According to the National Emergency Number Association (NENA), implementing NG911 requires “a highly standardized system is essential and critical to seamlessly support communications and data transfer across county, state, and international borders, and across the multitude of emergency response professions and agencies, from traditional PSAPs to Poison Control Centers, trauma centers, Coast Guard, and disaster management centers.” NENA and the NG911 legislation call on private manufacturers and technology integrators to implement the new systems.

The Road to Next Generation 911

In 2022, the independent NG9-1-1 Interoperability Task Force was formed to establish a cost-effective and equitable conformance test program with a multi-stakeholder governance structure. The task force includes the US Department of Homeland Security Science & Technology Directorate, Texas A&M University, the National 911 Program, NENA, National Association of State 911 Administrators (NASNA), Industry Council for Emergency Response Technologies (iCERT), and the NG911 Interoperability Oversight Commission. The main focus areas of the NG9-1-1 Interoperability Task Force are further clarifying the technical standards and developing a robust conformance testing regime to ensure all NG911 nodes can work together.

Sealevel partners with a company that is leading the transition to IP-based NG911. As part of their installations, they have integrated the SeaDAC Lite 8115 USB to Form C Digital Interface. The 8115 operates the light towers for individual operator terminals with communication via their cloud-based software application. The company’s call center upfits are enabling improved call routing and crisis management for smart cities around the world.