Next Generation 9–1–1 Act

The Next Generation 9–1–1 Act aims to modernize the nation’s aging emergency communications infrastructure. Most current 9-1-1 systems rely on decades-old analog technology that is primarily limited to voice calls. This bill proposes to establish a federal grant program and a clear framework through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to help state and local governments transition to digital, Internet Protocol-based systems.

If enacted, the legislation would allow emergency call centers to receive and process multimedia information from smartphones and tablets, such as text messages, photos, and real-time video. These upgrades are intended to provide first responders with better situational awareness before they arrive on the scene. The bill also focuses on improving cybersecurity for emergency networks and ensuring that different jurisdictions can seamlessly transfer calls and data to one another during large-scale disasters or system overloads.