A coalition representing state and local government leaders, industry professionals, and tens of thousands of 9-1-1 first responders recently sent a letter to members of the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee, urging federal investment in Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) technology.
“Current 9-1-1 systems rely on technologies that are decades old,” the letter said. “These systems are less reliable, less secure, and more challenging to maintain while attempting to meet the expanding needs of emergency responders and citizens who need their help.”
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act recently passed by the U.S. House includes no provisions to use Federal Communications Commission spectrum auction revenues to fund NG9-1-1.
Modernizing the 9-1-1 infrastructure is a matter of national defense and public safety, the letter said. Outdated systems leave communities vulnerable to cyberattacks, the letter said, and are inadequate in responding to threats such as natural disasters and terrorism.
The signatories cited other recent failures in government technology infrastructure and cautioned that people might die if the government doesn’t modernize the 9-1-1 infrastructure. Examples included the Federal Aviation Administration’s outdated systems.
The signatories are APCO International, the Industry Council for Emergency Response Technologies, the National Association of State 911 Administrators, and the 9-1-1 Association.