Next Generation 911 Cost Study

Consumer technology has rapidly evolved over the last few years – from landline to cellular and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology. 911 funding models, however, have not adapted as quickly and are no longer able to sustain the traditional 911 system, let alone support the implementation of Next Generation 911 (NG911).

Recognizing the need for comprehensive 911 system funding reform in order to help 911 evolve to support the technology needs of both the public and first responders, Congress directed NHTSA and NTIA to complete a study to assess the costs, service requirements and specifications needed to implement NG911 across the country.

The study was requested through the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012. Throughout 2017 and 2018, the project addressed various aspects of funding NG911, including how costs would be broken out geographically, the needs for NG911 services of persons with disabilities and the impact of PSAP access to broadband.

The National 911 Program worked with a team of emergency communications, technology and economic theory consulting experts to gather and analyze information from the 911 stakeholder community. The team used publicly available data and sought input from vendors, associations and PSAPs to develop accurate estimates of the costs to implement and sustain NG911 throughout the country

The final report, submitted to Congress in October of 2018, is available here.

More Information

• Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012

• National 911 Program Announcement that 911 Program Begins Study on NG911 Costs

• National 911 Program Announcement that NG911 Cost Study Addresses Progress & Goals in First Year

Questions regarding the Next Generation 911 Cost Study can be sent to nhtsa.national911@dot.gov.