Report to Congress Estimates Costs of Upgrading 911 Call Centers

Report to Congress Estimates Costs of Upgrading 911 Call Centers
$9.5 to $12.7 Billion Over 10 Years for Nationwide Next-Gen 911 Implementation

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today released a study on expanding Next Generation 911 (NG911) capabilities at 911 call centers. The study, requested by Congress, created a model for assessing the level of funding needed to make critical 911 upgrades nationwide.

The U.S. Department of Transportation and U.S. Department of Commerce are jointly managing a $110 million grant program to help states, territories, tribal organizations and the District of Columbia upgrade their 911 call centers to NG911. Final rules for the program were announced in August along with information on how to apply for a grant.

“Since NHTSA’s founding nearly 50 years ago, supporting local EMS systems has been an integral part of our mission to keep people safe on America’s roadways,” said NHTSA Deputy Administrator Heidi King. “I am so proud that I’ve been able to be a part of supporting this miraculous, lifesaving system, starting with my days as a dispatcher to today at NHTSA, where our National 911 Program continues to support and strengthen the system in partnership with the state and local governments responsible for its operation. The 911 system is an achievement to celebrate for saving lives, making communities safer, and our nation stronger.”

The NG911 study estimated the cost for the initial setup and migration to NG911 systems. This Congressionally-mandated report will serve as a resource as legislators consider creating a coordinated, long-term funding mechanism for the deployment and operation of NG911 services.

“Upgrading public safety call centers throughout the country will help the public reach first responders during emergencies, and give responders better tools for critical life-saving missions,” said David Redl, Commerce Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator. “While some states are already making significant strides towards NG911, nationwide implementation will take a significant investment. With the delivery of this report to Congress, we look forward to the next steps in our 911 grant program to help jumpstart the nationwide NG911 transition.”