Why NG 9-1-1?
NENA: A National Plan for Migrating to IP-Enabled 9-1-1 Systems
Executive Summary
“Trends in personal communication technologies are accelerating the obsolescence of the current 9-1-1 system. The current circuit-switched infrastructure of the 9-1-1 network cannot receive digital data (e.g., text messages, photographs, and video) from the communication devices commonly used by the public. Because these outmoded networks cannot provide the public with access to 9-1-1 services from newer technologies and devices, 9-1-1 networks and call centers must change.
Based on recent technology assessments by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and others, it was concluded that IP-enabled systems provide the optimal technical solution for future 9-1-1 networks. There are no insurmountable technology barriers. There are costs associated with transitioning to NG9-1-1, but compared with current maintenance costs of existing PSAP infrastructure, there are no significant, long term cost increases associated with migrating to IP-enabled emergency networks.
Service providers, leading emergency communications associations and standards development organizations all support the adoption of IP-networks as the foundation of future 9-1-1.
There are, however, challenges to overcome. People expect the same level of access to 9-1-1 service regardless of which town, county or State the caller is in. Yet, even with the devices that can access 9-1-1 now – landline, wireless, and voice-over-IP (VoIP) phones – service is inconsistent across the United States. Without concerted national leadership and coordination, this disparity will only grow as consumers adopt new voice, text and video applications and local 9-1-1 Authorities cobble together solutions to access the antiquated 9-1-1 system one technology at a time.“
What is the NG 9-1-1 Architecture?
Refer to the National NENA i3 Standards for complete requirements. Go to www.nena.org.
