On September 28, the FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau released new guidance aimed at smoothing the transition to Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) for multi-line telephone systems (MLTS), originating service providers (OSPs), NG9-1-1 service providers, and 9-1-1 authorities.
When Public Safety Communications Met a National Tragedy
This September, our country will recognize a solemn and unfortunate anniversary – 25 years since the September 11 terrorist attacks.
Many in our profession weren’t born yet or are too young to remember that day and those that followed. For others, such as myself, there are aspects of it we will never forget.
APCO-Led Public Safety Next Generation 9-1-1 Coalition Asks FCC to Make Interoperability Mandatory
On September 8, 2026, the Public Safety Next Generation 9 1 1 Coalition submitted a filing to the Federal Communications Commission encouraging it to adopt and enforce interoperability requirements for the deployment of Next Generation 9 1 1 (NG911).
Public Safety Next Generation 9-1-1 Coalition FCC Comments on NG9-1-1 Interoperability
Capitol Insights: From the Desk of Government Affairs
This panel brought together experts in government affairs from four leading 9-1-1 and public safety organizations to discuss current federal policy issues that could shape the future of 9-1-1 and emergency communications.
NextGen 9-1-1 Caucus Co-Chairs Urge House Passage of Enhancing First Response Act
Representatives Kat Cammack (R-FL) and Norma Torres (D-CA), co-chairs of the Congressional NextGen 9-1-1 Caucus, sent a letter on July 2 urging House Speaker Mike Johnson to bring S.725, the Enhancing First Response Act, to the House floor for consideration under suspension of the rules.
APCO Applauds FCC Actions to Modernize 9-1-1 Reliability Requirements and Improve Emergency Alerts
Today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted two orders that advance the interests of public safety by modernizing 9-1-1 reliability requirements and strengthening the security of emergency alerting systems.
Federal Communications Commission Will Vote on NG9-1-1 Reliability and Emergency Alerting Measures Next Week
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has announced his proposed agenda for the Commission Meeting scheduled for June 25. Among other items, the FCC commissioners are scheduled to vote on public safety matters of particular importance to APCO members.
APCO Applauds Introduction of Additional Next Generation 9-1-1 Legislation
On March 11, Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ted Budd (R-NC) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) introduced the Next Generation 9-1-1 Act in the U.S. Senate. APCO International celebrates the introduction of another bipartisan effort to strengthen the nation’s commitment to modern, resilient emergency communications.
Bills to Support Public Safety Communications Advance in the House of Representatives
On January 21, 2026 the House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced the Emergency Reporting Act (H.R. 5200) and the Kari’s Law Report Act (H.R. 5201), bills that will help ensure access to 9-1-1 and improve situational awareness regarding network outages that can affect calls to 9-1-1.
Written Testimony: Legislative Improvements to Public Safety Communications in the United States
APCO President Jack Varnado Testifies in Congress on Needed Improvements to Public Safety Communications
On December 16, APCO President Jack Varnado, testified before the House Energy and Commerce Communications and Technology Subcommittee at a hearing titled “Legislative Improvements to Public Safety Communications in the United States.”
APCO Commends Introduction of Next Generation 9-1-1 Legislation
On December 10, 2025, APCO International welcomed the introduction of the Next Generation 9-1-1 Act in the U.S. House of Representatives to advance the nationwide transition to Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1).
APCO Reply Comments: NG9-1-1 Interoperability and Reliability
https://www.apcointl.org/~documents/filing/apco-reply-comments-ng911-reliability-interoperability-0917025?layout=file
APCO Expands on Recommendations for FCC Action to Improve Interoperability and Reliability for NG9-1-1 Systems
On September 17, 2025, APCO filed reply comments with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in response to its Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on improving interoperability and reliability for NG9-1-1.
NG9-1-1 Reliability and Interoperability
APCO Provides Comments to Improve Interoperability and Reliability for NG9-1-1 Systems
On August 4, 2025, APCO submitted comments in response to the FCC’s Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on improving interoperability and reliability for NG9-1-1 systems.
2024 Hurricane Helene: Validating North Carolina NG9-1-1
In September 2024, the system was put to the test when Hurricane Helene inflicted hundreds of billions of dollars worth of damage to the southeast, including the 9-1-1 infrastructure.
What is NG9-1-1: Fact or Fiction
This session addressed key concepts of Next Generation 9-1-1, including interoperability, reliability and redundancy, cybersecurity and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Coalition Urges Senate to Fund Nationwide 9-1-1 Upgrade in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
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.
The Livestream Leap
For years the 9-1-1 industry has been told that Next Generation 9-1-1 is on the horizon — it is coming soon so get ready. ECCs around the country are adopting technology that brings either livestreaming video into the 9-1-1 center or live 9-1-1 calls into the patrol car.
APCO Welcomes Introduction of Legislation to Help Modernize 9-1-1 Centers in National Parks
On January 29, Senators John Barrasso (R-WY) and Angus King (I-ME) introduced the Making National Parks Safer Act, a bill that directs the Department of the Interior to develop a plan for upgrading emergency communications centers (ECCs) managed by the National Park System to NG9-1-1.
Ex Parte: Wireless 9-1-1 Location Accuracy, NG9-1-1 (Chairwoman Rosenworcel)
Public Safety Officials Urge Congress to Enact Legislation to Fund Next Generation 9-1-1 at Capitol Hill Event
On September 17, the Public Safety Next Generation 9-1-1 Coalition, consisting of APCO and the nation’s leading national public safety associations, held a summit on Capitol Hill demonstrating the urgency for Congress to fully fund the transition of today’s aging and vulnerable 9-1-1 networks to a modern, secure, interoperable and innovative Next Generation 9-1-1 system throughout all areas of the United States.
APCO Leadership Meets With Senator Blackburn to Urge Funding for NG9-1-1
On September 17, APCO Regional Representative Paul McCallister met with Senator Blackburn (R-TN) and her staff to raise awareness of the need to fully fund NG9-1-1 nationwide.
