Nationwide 911 Emergency System Modernization

Presented By Emmanuel Kofi

This Movement Is Currently
In The Amicus Brief Writing Stage.

BRINGING EMERGENCY RESPONSE INTO THE DIGITAL AGE

America’s 911 system—the critical lifeline for emergencies—operates largely on technology designed in the 1970s, creating dangerous limitations when seconds matter most:

• 240 million 911 calls annually rely on increasingly obsolete technology
• 75% of calls now come from mobile phones poorly served by legacy systems
• Location accuracy challenges delay response to mobile callers
• Text, video, and data capabilities lacking in most systems
• Interconnection between centers limited or nonexistent
• Network resilience inadequate during major disasters
• Cybersecurity vulnerabilities increasing with age
• Technical standards fragmented across 5,700+ local centers
• Telecommunications evolution outpacing 911 modernization
• Rural areas particularly challenged by limited resources

While Next Generation 911 technology exists, implementation remains fragmented, underfunded, and inconsistent nationwide, creating a dangerous patchwork of emergency response capabilities.

OUR COMPREHENSIVE MODERNIZATION FRAMEWORK

Our proposed legislation would establish:

1. NATIONWIDE TECHNICAL STANDARDS & ARCHITECTURE

• IP-based infrastructure replacing legacy systems
• Interoperability requirements ensuring seamless communication
• Location determination standards maximizing accuracy
• Text, image, and video reception capabilities
• Data sharing protocols between centers and agencies
• Cybersecurity requirements protecting critical infrastructure
• Backup and redundancy standards ensuring reliability
• Call routing protocols optimizing response time
• Accessibility features for disabled callers
• Performance metrics ensuring service quality

2. FUNDING & IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT

• $15 billion federal grant program accelerating deployment
• Technical assistance supporting implementation
• Matching requirements leveraging state and local resources
• Rural implementation support addressing resource limitations
• Regional cooperation incentives maximizing efficiency
• Governance framework development assistance
• Project management support for complex transitions
• Procurement assistance ensuring best value
• Cost-sharing frameworks for multi-jurisdiction systems
• Ongoing funding sustainability planning

3. WORKFORCE TRANSITION & TRAINING

• Telecommunicator training for multimedia communication
• Certification standards for Next Generation systems
• Management training for system transition
• Technical staff development for new technology
• Scenario-based training for multimedia response
• Stress management support during transition
• Wage standards reflecting increased skill requirements
• Career pathway development in emergency communications
• Remote work capabilities increasing staffing flexibility
• Professional development continuing education

4. GOVERNANCE & OPERATIONAL FRAMEWORKS

• Model governance structures for regional systems
• Interstate cooperation frameworks for border areas
• Standard operating procedures for multimedia response
• Data management policies protecting privacy
• Quality assurance processes ensuring performance
• Continuous improvement methodologies
• Change management frameworks supporting transition
• Stakeholder engagement models ensuring input
• Transition planning methodologies for implementation
• Regional coordination models maximizing efficiency

5. RESILIENCE & SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

• Disaster recovery capabilities ensuring continuous operation
• Cybersecurity protocols protecting critical infrastructure
• Physical security standards for facilities
• Redundant systems preventing single point failures
• Power backup requirements ensuring operation during outages
• Mutual aid agreements for emergency support
• Cloud capabilities enhancing resilience
• Security testing requirements ensuring protection
• Threat monitoring and response capabilities
• Regular capability assessment ensuring readiness

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY

The legislation would establish a Next Generation 911 Implementation Office within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration with $15 billion in funding over five years. Implementation would prioritize:

• Systems at highest risk of legacy technology failure
• Regions ready for immediate implementation
• Areas with demonstrated location accuracy challenges
• Multi-jurisdiction cooperation opportunities
• Rural areas lacking resources for independent implementation
• Phased implementation allowing orderly transition
• Knowledge sharing accelerating nationwide deployment
• Regular progress assessment identifying challenges
• Technical assistance ensuring effective implementation
• Long-term sustainability through appropriate governance

Our coalition includes emergency communications professionals, public safety organizations, local government associations, telecommunications providers, accessibility advocates, and technology developers committed to modernizing this critical public safety infrastructure.

Your support will help create the nationwide framework needed to bring America’s emergency response system into the digital age—ensuring that when seconds count, our 911 system leverages modern technology to save lives, reduce suffering, and improve emergency outcomes regardless of location, device, or communication needs.