Next Generation 9–1–1 Act
Key claim: The Next Generation 9-1-1 Act would create an NTIA grant program to fund state, territorial, and tribal governments in deploying secure, IP-based NG9-1-1 systems with interoperability, cybersecurity, and multimedia capabilities.
Abstract
(S4062 · 119th Congress) Next Generation 9–1–1 Act This bill establishes a grant program to support implementation of next generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) systems by state, territorial, and tribal governments and requires other related activities. NG9-1-1 means a secure, interoperable, Internet Protocol-based (IP-based) system for receiving 9-1-1 requests for emergency assistance. (IP-based 9-1-1 systems have capabilities that legacy telephone systems do not, including enhanced location-finding and the ability to receive text and multimedia messages.) Under the bill, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) must provide grants to state, territorial, and tribal governments (and entities established by those governments) to support the implementation and maintenance of NG9-1-1 systems. Grant funds may also be used for public outreach on NG9-1-1, implementation of cybersecurity measures, and, subject to certain limits, training and administrative costs. Entities applying for grants must submit a plan for NG9-1-1 coordination and implementation that ensures interoperability and reliability, incorporates cybersecurity tools, and meets other requirements related to technology and procurement. Applicants must also certify that they have established, or will establish within a specified time frame, a sustainable funding mechanism to support NG9-1-1 and effective cybersecurity resources. The NTIA must advise applicants on the preparation of implementation plans and provide technical assistance to grant recipients. Further, the NTIA must establish (1) an advisory board to provide recommendations with respect to the grant program and other topics related to NG9-1-1; and (2) a cybersecurity center to coordinate with state, local, and regional governments on the sharing of cybersecurity information related to NG9-1-1. Latest action (2026-03-11): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Why this matters
NG9-1-1 modernization has been stalled largely by uneven state funding and legacy TDM-based PSAP infrastructure; a dedicated NTIA grant program with attached cybersecurity and interoperability conditions would give tribal, territorial, and state 911 authorities a federal funding channel comparable to broadband deployment programs. For carriers, standardized IP-based interconnection and cybersecurity baselines would shape how originating service providers hand off voice, text, and multimedia to next-generation PSAPs.