The 911 System Isn’t Ready for the iPhone Era

[Commentary] In 1999, Congress established 911 as the nationwide emergency number, and called for a system that would use the best technology available to deliver emergency assistance. Now, 16 years later, our emergency response system faces an emergency of its own in the form of outdated technology. To fix this, our emergency responders — police, fire and ambulance — urgently need the help of government leaders at all levels.

Simply put, the communications technology behind the 911 system is dangerously out of date. Currently, the centers handle about 240 million calls a year, an increasing number of them from cellphones. But many local 911 call centers can’t receive a text, photo or video from a person in need — capabilities that are considered commonplace for any American with a smartphone. Worse, while our nation makes the transition to broadband networks, too many of our 911 call centers rely on decades-old telephone technology — technology that is no longer being supported by commercial vendors and prone to failure. The market forces driving the broadband revolution will soon have the nation’s 911 system resting on a foundation of sand. As for next steps, our laws need to reflect the changing realities on the ground.

We must make the benefits of NG911 available to all Americans, not just those fortunate enough to live in a few well-resourced communities. Only Congress can provide what state and local authorities require to deliver effective 911 services to all their citizens. This includes one-time funding assistance to 911 jurisdictions to get them through the NG911 transition. Done right, smart federal investment will actually lower costs by shortening the transition period and enabling 911 authorities to retire costly legacy facilities more quickly.