Last week, the FCC commissioners unanimously approved an order aimed at easing the transition to IP-based next-generation 911 (NG911) technology. This order provides originating service providers with nationwide rules regarding their responsibilities and deadlines for delivering emergency calls to NG911 systems.

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel described this order as a critical step in the FCC's ongoing effort to modernize 911 services. She highlighted previous actions taken by the FCC, such as establishing rules for outage reporting and location-based routing, as part of this broader initiative.

"Moving forward, carriers must translate and route 911 calls in an IP-based format when state or local 911 systems are ready to accept next-generation calls," Rosenworcel said during the FCC’s July 18 open meeting, which was webcast. "Our rules create a consistent federal framework to support the nationwide transition to NG911."

Rosenworcel emphasized the importance of these rules, noting the significant advancements that NG911 will bring.

"The future of next-generation 911 is substantial," she said. "It will enhance support for voice, text, data, and video communications, and provide greater redundancy to prevent outages. It will allow callers to send videos of emergencies, enable the transmission of instant pictures to first responders, and allow medical records to be sent directly to 911 dispatchers. For emergency call takers, this data will improve public safety efforts, enhance emergency responses, and save lives."

FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks agreed, noting that the new federal rules do not preclude state and local jurisdictions from making specific agreements with service providers regarding the NG911 transition.

"Today, we ignite action," Starks said during the open meeting. "This order establishes default rules and timelines to address issues that have delayed NG911 transitions, such as cost allocation and traffic delivery. These defaults provide flexibility—communities can agree to different terms if needed, allowing states to progress with momentum."

NENA CEO Brian Fontes expressed strong support for the FCC order. "This order provides a balanced and sensible framework for 911 authorities and service providers to collaboratively deploy NG911 nationwide," Fontes said in a statement. "It also enhances 911 services for everyone, especially those relying on inclusive services, like the deaf or hard-of-hearing community."

APCO CEO and Executive Director Mel Maier also welcomed the new rules. "APCO is grateful for these new FCC rules," Maier said in a statement. "The commission has addressed the 911 community's needs by ensuring IP-based 911 traffic delivery without cost-shifting to Emergency Communications Centers (ECCs). These rules are a significant step towards full NG911 deployment. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the FCC and advocating for Congressional funding to ensure NG911 is implemented swiftly in every community."

Additionally, Rosenworcel reiterated her call for Congress to reinstate the FCC's authority to auction spectrum, which has expired. She argued that revenue from spectrum auctions should fund the nationwide NG911 transition.

"We need Congress to support this next phase of our national 911 system," Rosenworcel said. "The fastest way is to restore the FCC's authority to auction public airwaves and direct the revenue towards next-generation 911 initiatives. I have long advocated for this approach and continue to believe it is the best path forward."