Executive Summary
The Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) project is a statewide initiative to modernize Arizona’s existing 9-1-1 system. The project aims to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and reliability of 9-1-1 services while enabling new capabilities, including geospatial routing, text-to-911, improved redundancy, and leveraging an Emergency Service IP Network (ESiNET).
Situation
The NG9-1-1 project involves upgrading and integrating various 9-1-1 technologies, including 9-1-1 call handling systems, dispatch systems, mapping systems, and database systems. It also involves implementing new protocols and standards to ensure interoperability and compatibility with other systems and networks.
Problems
The legacy system was not designed as a 9-1-1 call routing system with built-in redundancies capable of managing effective call location and call routing. Several 9-1-1 outrages occurred throughout the state, particularly in the more remote areas where telecommunications infrastructure was limited and extremely costly. The past 9-1-1 service providers did not make provisions to be capable of re-routing a 9-1-1 call to the correct Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) and relied on re-routing a 9-1-1 call to a different PSAP. This caused multiple challenges, as many PSAPs operated different internal systems that were not compatible across the state. Additionally, the past system caused significant call processing delays due to non-diverse call routes.
Solution
The State of Arizona has launched NG9-1-1 for implementation across all counties. The project is being led by the Arizona Department of Administration (ADOA) 9-1-1 Program in partnership with Comtech Telecommunications, AT&T, and Motorola.
