Next Generation 911 systems aim to upgrade fragmented 911 networks through digital IP infrastructure. However, NG911 priorities and funding vary between jurisdictions. To fully implement NG911 will require upgraded infrastructure, robust funding, legislative support, administrative efficiency across agencies, and set standards. A national collaborative effort is needed to make NG911 a priority and improve public safety outcomes.

1. Next Generation 911:
Getting Ready for Prime Time
By By David Silverberg

2. Current Situation
• Fragmented 911 Networks Put a Drag on
Next-Generation Upgrades
– Legacy of independent Public Service Answering
Points (PSAPs) and technological limitations has
left the 911 system fragmented, uncoordinated
and uneven
– “With the advent of … digital IP-based infrastructure, all of a sudden,
ideas like consistency, uniformity, collaboration and coordination
become important in a way they never were before.”
– Laurie Flaherty, coordinator of the National 911 Program at
the US Department of Transportation

3. Current Situation
• NG911 varies as a priority in different
jurisdictions, whether states, counties or cities
– Examples:
• Massachusetts increased its cell phone fees to implement
NG911
• Florida cut its cell phone fees as part of a broad budget-
cutting initiative, leaving first responders scrambling to
maintain existing capabilities
• Some counties are banding together to support each other
where state support is absent
– E.g. Florida, Illinois, Washington state

4. What will it take to reach
Next Generation 911?
• Infrastructure
– Carriers are seeking to retire old infrastructure
and proceed to Next Generation
– States, counties and cities must upgrade
technology
• Robust funding
• Legislative and executive policy support
• Administrative efficiency
• NG911 Standards

5. Solutions
• Infrastructure
– Build out and improve
infrastructure
• Funding
– Obtain sufficient funding
• Policy support
– Must be made a policy priority
• Administrative efficiency
– De-siloization and regionalization
• Standards
– Set proper standards

6. A National Effort for a National
Priority
• A national effort should include every
stakeholder: private companies, federal, state and
local governments, non-profit organizations,
think tanks and citizens.
A presidential priority?

7. Results of Successful NG911
Implementation
Better citizen safety
Public protection
More effective response
Less loss of life