Next Generation 911: What You Need to Know

If you have ever called 911 for an emergency, you know how important it is to get help quickly and accurately. But did you know that the current 911 system in Canada is outdated and limited? It can only handle voice calls and has difficulty locating callers using cellphones.

That's why the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has mandated that all telephone companies across the country adopt a new system called Next Generation 911 (NG9-1-1) by 2024. This system will provide Canadians with improved emergency services using world-class telecommunications networks.

What are the benefits of NG9-1-1?

NG9-1-1 will enable Canadians to communicate with 911 operators using more than just voice calls. In the future, they will be able to send text messages, photos, videos, and other data that can provide additional details about emergency situations. For example, they could send a video of an accident, a photo of a suspect, or medical information to first responders.

NG9-1-1 will also improve the accuracy and speed of locating callers using cellphones. It will use advanced technology to pinpoint their location using GPS or other data sources. This will help emergency crews get to the scene faster and be better prepared.

NG9-1-1 will also enhance the reliability and security of the 911 network. It will use digital technology that can handle higher volumes of calls and data, as well as backup systems that can prevent service disruptions or failures.

How will NG9-1-1 work?

NG9-1-1 will use a new network infrastructure that connects callers to emergency call centres using Internet Protocol (IP) technology. This means that callers will be able to use any device or service that supports IP communication, such as smartphones, tablets, computers, or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phones.

When a caller contacts 911 using NG9-1-1 services, their call and data will be routed through the new network to the appropriate emergency call centre based on their location and type of emergency. The call centre operator will then dispatch the necessary emergency responders, such as police, firefighters, or paramedics.

The CRTC regulates telecommunications providers who create and maintain the networks that connect 911 calls to emergency call centres. The CRTC has directed all telecommunications providers to update their networks for NG9-1-1 voice services. They mandated that this work was to be complete by March 2022. A deadline for providing NG9-1-1 text messaging services to the general public will follow.

The CRTC does not regulate emergency responders or 911 call centres who fall under provincial, territorial, and municipal jurisdictions. These authorities are responsible for ensuring their call centres are ready for NG9-1-1 services and for deciding which types of data they can accept and process.

What do you need to do?

As a Canadian citizen or resident, you don't need to do anything special to prepare for NG9-1-1. You will still be able to dial 911 as you do today if you need emergency help. However, you should be aware that NG9-1-1 services are not yet available across Canada and may vary depending on your location and device. Looking forward to helping address that capability requirment coast to coast to coast.