FCC Proposes Action to Expedite the Transition to Next Generation 911

The Federal Communications Commission proposed rules to advance the transition to Next Generation 911, help ensure that the nation’s 911 system functions effectively, and support the deployment of advanced 911 capabilities—including video, text, and data—that will help first responders save lives. State and local 911 authorities are now transitioning to NG911 by replacing legacy circuit-switched 911 networks with Internet Protocol (IP)-based networks and applications that will support new 911 capabilities, including text, video, and data, as well as improved interoperability and system resilience. As state and local 911 authorities have begun to invest in NG911, some have reported that originating service providers are refusing to connect to these destination points or are otherwise delaying the transition process, which threatens to impose additional costs and delays on 911 authorities. In December, 2022, the FCC proposed to require wireless providers to deliver 911 calls and texts in IP format upon the request of NG911-capable 911 authorities. In the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking adopted, the FCC is proposing similar requirements for the delivery of 911 calls by wireline, interconnected Voice over Internet protocol (VoIP), and Internet-based Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) providers, as well as addressing the allocation of costs for transmitting all IP-based 911 calls.