WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 5, 2025) – Today, a coalition representing state and local government leaders, industry professionals, and tens of thousands of 9-1-1 first responders sent a letter to members of the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee urging federal investment in Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG911) technology to replace outdated emergency communications infrastructure across the country.
Despite years of bipartisan support for using Federal Communications Commission spectrum auction revenues to fund NG911, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) recently passed by the U.S. House includes no such provisions.
“Current 9-1-1 systems rely on technologies that are decades old,” the letter states. “These systems are less reliable, less secure, and more challenging to maintain while attempting to meet the expanding needs of emergency responders and citizens who need their help.”
The groups acknowledge the bill’s goal of cutting federal spending but emphasize that modernizing the nation’s 9-1-1 infrastructure is a matter of national defense and public safety. While the House bill does prioritize spending increases for the military, border security, and air traffic control, it does not include any resources for the first and most critical link in the public safety chain in every local community: 9-1-1.
The signatories also warned that today’s outdated systems leave communities vulnerable to cyberattacks and are inadequate in responding to overwhelming threats such as terrorism and natural disasters.
The letter also drew comparisons to other recent failures in government technology infrastructure, such as the FAA’s outdated systems, and cautioned that the cost of inaction on 9-1-1 modernization could be measured in lives lost.
“The time to act is now—our communities cannot afford any further delay in building a safer, more resilient 9-1-1 system,” the groups conclude.
The signatories are:
- APCO International
- iCERT- Industry Council for Emergency Response Technologies
- NASNA-National Association of State 911 Administrators
- NENA: The 9-1-1 Association
MEDIA CONTACTS:
- NENA: [email protected]
- APCO: Lisa Inkley at [email protected]
