NG9-1-1, Explained: 7 Important "Need to Knows"
Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) is a hot topic in the public safety and local government communities. But the specifics of this long-sought-after initiative can be complex and there are several parties that play important roles. Below is a list of critical elements and key players to help you make sure you’re up to date.Glossary of Terms:
- Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1)
- Text-to-911
- Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP)
- National Emergency Number Association (NENA)
- Analog-Based Infrastructure
- U.S. Department of Transportation Intelligent Transportation Systems Program (ITS)
- Systems Integrator
Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1)
Text-to-911
Launched by the Federal Communications Commission in 2010, Text-to-911 is a part of the larger NG9-1-1 initiative. On May 15, 2014, four major telecommunications carriers – Sprint, Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile – enabled mobile device subscribers to text 9-1-1 to PSAPS. However, outdated infrastructure and legacy systems inhibit many of these PSAPs from receiving these texts. Modernization as a result of NG9-1-1 will enable PSAPs to receive text messages.
Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP)
The call center responsible for answering emergency communications to police, fire fighter and ambulance services. To move forward on NG9-1-1, PSAPs will need to modernize their infrastructures and move from analog-based systems to IP-based networks.
National Emergency Number Association (NENA)
Representing public safety and the 9-1-1 industry, NENA is the organization responsible for defining NG9-1-1 and to coordinate the development and support of NG9-1-1 as a system and a service to the public and public safety entities. NENA first identified the need for NG9-1-1 in 2000 and started development actions in 2003. NENA also developed functional and interface standards for NG9-1-1. In 2011, NENA’s executive board formally ratified the i3 standards, which have provided direction for NG9-1-1’s underlying infrastructure and interoperability.
Analog-Based Infrastructure
The current infrastructure used by most U.S. PSAPs, which doesn’t allow for text, image video or data transmissions. The analog-based infrastructure has essentially not changed since the first 9-1-1 call was made in 1968. Analog-based infrastructure cannot accommodate emergency calls from laptops; IP phones; IP wireless devices; third-party call centers that employ telematics, audio and/or data as part of their client services; IP and Video Relay Services that assist the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Analog-based infrastructure also gives PSAPs limited capacity to identify the location of a call from a mobile device or recognize the technology generating the call in order to route the call to the appropriate responder in a timely manner.
U.S. Department of Transportation Intelligent Transportation Systems Program (ITS)
The office leading the NG9-1-1 Initiative. The Initiative’s focus are the technical/engineering and institution/transitional aspects of NG9-1-1. To date, the office has developed an NG9-1-1 engineering architecture, emergency call center receiving software and software screens for operators, and a set of POC test scenarios for laboratory tests for the most complex aspects of the NG9-1-1 architecture; coordinated engagement on the standards across North America; and tested transmission and receipt of calls under real-world conditions.
Systems Integrator
Due to the complexities involved with NG9-1-1, some agencies work with a systems integrator that has expertise in areas like cybersecurity and systems interoperability. Systems integrators are well-versed in the standards developed by NENA and can provide support and advice to jurisdictions on what solution will work best for them.
