Media Contact: 
Rochelle Cohen
rochelle.cohen@fcc.gov

For Immediate Release

FCC PROPOSES ACTION TO EXPEDITE THE TRANSITION TO 
NEXT GENERATION 911 

WASHINGTON, June 8, 2023—The Federal Communications Commission today 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. 

Each year, people in need of emergency assistance make more than 200 million calls to 911 in the United States.  The calls travel on dedicated 911 networks to reach a telecommunicator who can dispatch aid.  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.  Completing the NG911 transition also requires originating service providers—that is, the 911 callers’ phone companies—to format 911 calls to be compatible with NG911 and to deliver the calls to new destination points on IP networks as established by 911 authorities. 

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.  Last December, the Commission 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 today, the Commission 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. 

Action by the Commission June 8, 2023 by Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 23-47).  Chairwoman Rosenworcel, Commissioners Carr, Starks, and Simington approving.  Chairwoman Rosenworcel and Commissioner Starks issuing separate statements.

PS Docket No. 21-479

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Media Relations: (202) 418-0500 / ASL: (844) 432-2275 / Twitter: @FCC / www.fcc.gov 

This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).