Blog: NG911 Resources for 2026: The Complete Guid…

The transition to Next Generation 911 (NG911) is moving faster in 2026 than at any point in the history of emergency communications. The FCC's NG911 rules are driving carriers through Phase 1 SIP connections, state programs are accelerating their deployment timelines, and the industry is tackling complex challenges around GIS data quality, cybersecurity, and workforce development.

At NGA, our mission is to support public safety professionals with trusted guidance and tools for

implementing and managing NG911 systems.

This updated 2026 guide brings together the most essential resources available today, organized by topic so you can quickly find what you need, whether you are planning your transition, training your team, or looking for funding to support your deployment.

What Is NG911? A Quick Overview

Next Generation 911 is the nationwide effort to modernize traditional 911 systems using Internet Protocol (IP) and cloud-based technologies. NG911 enables Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) to receive richer, more precise data in real time from individuals in need, including text messages, photos, video, and accurate caller geolocation.

Key benefits of NG911 include:

Multimedia communications from callers, including live photos, videos, and text messages
Advanced caller location accuracy through geospatial routing
Greater system scalability and resiliency through cloud-based infrastructure
Improved data sharing across 911 agencies and jurisdictions
Support for connected vehicle crash notifications and IoT data
Enhanced cybersecurity protections for emergency communications networks

FCC NG911 Rules and Regulatory Updates for 2026

The FCC's landmark NG911 Report and Order established a phased framework for transitioning originating service providers to NG911. Understanding the current regulatory landscape is essential for every PSAP planning its transition.

Key regulatory resources:

FCC NG911 Report and Order. The foundational ruling establishing Phase 1 and Phase 2 requirements for originating service providers. Phase 1 requires SIP connectivity; Phase 2 will require NG911-native location data validated against authoritative GIS.
FCC Phase 1 Progress. As of early 2026, significant progress has been made in Phase 1 SIP connections. In states with active deployments, over 73% of carriers have completed their SIP connections, with additional carriers in active migration.
Phase 2 GIS Requirements. Phase 2 will require originating service providers to deliver location data in PIDF-LO format, validated against the local 911 authority's authoritative GIS data. This is a major milestone that makes GIS data quality mission-critical.

Official regulatory resources:

NENA Standards and Technical Resources

The National Emergency Number Association (NENA) is the primary standards-development

body for NG911. Its standards define the technical architecture, data formats, and interoperability requirements that all NG911 deployments must follow.

NENA i3 Standard (Version 3). The keystone standard for NG911 architecture. Version 3 includes updates to REST/JSON interfaces, cybersecurity improvements, advanced crash notification handling, blind transfer support, and harmonization with European specifications. This is the standard that state and local NG911 RFPs should reference.
NENA NG911 GIS Data Model. Defines the required GIS data layers, field names, data types, and attribute standards for NG911 geospatial routing. Essential reading for GIS professionals preparing data for ECRF and LVF deployment.
ESInet Design Guidelines. Technical guidance for designing Emergency Services IP Networks, including network architecture, redundancy, and interconnection requirements.
NG911 Transition Policy and Implementation Handbook. Practical guidance for agencies planning their transition from legacy E911 to NG911, including phasing strategies and stakeholder coordination.

Where to find these resources:

APCO International: Advocacy, Training, and Professional Standards

APCO International (Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials) serves over 35,000

members globally and plays a vital role in NG911 advancement through advocacy, training, and

certification programs.

Key APCO resources for 2026:

Telecommunicator Reclassification Advocacy. APCO is leading the national effort to

reclassify public safety telecommunicators from 'administrative/clerical' to 'protective service’ in the federal SOC system. The U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Enhancing First Response Act (S. 725) in September 2025, and the 9-1-1 SAVES Act (H.R. 637) is advancing in the House.

Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification. APCO's certification program validates the knowledge and skills of 911 professionals. It is widely recognized as the industry standard for telecommunicator qualifications.
APCO Training Programs. Online and in-person training covering NG911 technology, crisis intervention, cybersecurity awareness, and leadership development for PSAP managers.
APCO 2026 Conference and Expo. The annual event bringing together public safety communications professionals for education, networking, and technology demonstrations.

Explore APCO resources at apcointl.org

GIS and Geospatial Data Resources

GIS data is the foundation of NG911 call routing. The ECRF uses geospatial data to route calls to the correct PSAP, and the LVF uses it to validate caller locations. As FCC Phase 2 approaches, GIS data quality has become one of the most critical preparation priorities for PSAPs across the country.

NENA NG911 GIS Data Model. The standard defining required data layers (site/structure address points, road centerlines, PSAP boundaries) and attribute formats for NG911 geospatial routing.
Esri NG911 GIS Resources. Esri, the leading GIS technology provider, offers extensive

resources for NG911 GIS data creation, validation, and maintenance, including ArcGIS-based workflows.

State NG911 GeoHub Programs. Many states have established GIS support programs to help local agencies prepare their geospatial data for NG911. Check with your state 911 program for available tools and technical assistance.
Michigan NG911 GIS Data Readiness Webinar (2026). A practical example of state-level guidance on preparing GIS data for geo-routing, including Phase 1 and Phase 2 readiness assessments.

Training, Certification, and Professional Development

As NG911 technology evolves, ongoing education and training are essential for 911 professionals at every level.

Here are the key training resources available in 2026:

NENA Education and Training Program. Comprehensive courses covering NG911 technology, operations, and management. Includes online courses and the Emergency Number Professional (ENP) certification.
APCO Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification. The industry-standard certification for 911 professionals, validating core competencies in call handling, technology use, and emergency protocols.
International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED). Offers Emergency

Telecommunicator Certification (ETC) and specialized training in emergency medical, fire, and police dispatch protocols.

911.gov Telecommunicator Resources. The National 911 Program maintains a

comprehensive resource page covering training programs, wellness support, and

professional development opportunities, updated as recently as June 2026.

NENA Telecommunicator Core Competencies Training. Defines the baseline knowledge and skills every 911 professional should possess, serving as a foundation for agency training programs.
PowerPhone Training Programs. Specialized training in emergency call handling, including crisis intervention and dispatcher-assisted CPR protocols.

Cybersecurity Resources for NG911

The transition from analog to IP-based 911 systems introduces new cybersecurity

considerations. Protecting NG911 infrastructure requires a comprehensive approach that

addresses network security, access controls, data protection, and incident response.

NENA NG-SEC Standard (75-001). NENA's dedicated security standard for NG911 systems, covering authentication, access controls, encryption, and incident response requirements.
911.gov NG911 Cybersecurity Primer. An overview of NG911 cyber infrastructure, risk

landscapes, and approaches for assessing and managing security risks.

CJIS Security Policy. For PSAPs that access criminal justice information, the FBI's CJIS Security Policy establishes baseline security requirements that apply to NG911 systems handling law enforcement data.
Zero Trust Architecture for Public Safety. An emerging framework that assumes no user or system should be trusted by default, requiring continuous verification for all access to NG911 resources.
Guide to NG911 Security (911.gov). Detailed security planning guidance for agencies

designing and deploying NG911 systems.

Funding and Financial Resources

Securing funding for NG911 implementation remains one of the biggest challenges for PSAPs.

Here are the key financial resources available in 2026:

State 911 Surcharge Funds. Most states collect 911 fees or surcharges that fund PSAP operations and technology upgrades. Contact your state 911 program to understand

available funding and application processes.

Federal Grant Programs. While the original Enhanced 911 Grant Program distributed over $40 million to 30 states, federal funding for 911 continues through various programs. Monitor 911.gov and grants.gov for current opportunities.
FEMA Public Safety Communications Grants. FEMA periodically offers grants for public safety communications infrastructure, which can include NG911 components.
State-Level NG911 Funding Programs. Several states have established dedicated NG911 transition funds. For example, British Columbia allocated $90 million for NG911

implementation, and many U.S. states have similar programs.

NG911 Expense Estimate: Report to Congress. The original federal cost estimate for NG911 deployment nationwide, useful for benchmarking and justifying local funding requests.
Guidelines for State Legislative Language. NENA's resource for developing state legislation that supports 911 funding and NG911 transition.

Workforce Development and the Reclassification Movement

The 911 industry is facing a significant workforce crisis. A 2023 survey by IAED and NASNA found that the average vacancy rate across U.S. 911 centers was approximately 25%, with some agencies reporting vacancy rates above 80%. Addressing this challenge requires both immediate staffing solutions and systemic changes.

Telecommunicator Reclassification. The effort to move public safety telecommunicators from 'administrative/clerical' (SOC 43-5031) to 'protective service' classification. The Senate unanimously passed S. 725 in September 2025; the 9-1-1 SAVES Act (H.R. 637) is advancing in the House. APCO provides advocacy materials and templates for contacting legislators.
APCO Health and Wellness Resources. Programs and guidance for addressing the mental health impacts of 911 work, including PTSD recognition, peer support, and wellness program development.
NENA Wellness Continuum. A framework for building comprehensive wellness programs for 911 professionals, from prevention through recovery.
911 Training Institute. Specialized training programs focused on building the next

generation of 911 professionals.

IAED/NASNA Staffing Survey Report. The most comprehensive data available on 911

staffing challenges, including vacancy rates, turnover drivers, and retention strategies.

NGA: NG911 Solutions Built for Modern PSAPs

At NGA, we specialize in helping Public Safety Answering Points and emergency response

agencies successfully transition to NG911. Our cloud-based platforms are built for scalability,

cybersecurity, and compliance with the latest NENA and FCC standards.

Our NG911 solutions include:

ESInet deployment and management
Call handling and geospatial routing software (NEXi Core)
Cloud-based call management (NEXi Connect)
GIS data integration and validation support
Real-time analytics and monitoring tools (NEXi Analytics)
Text-to-911 and multimedia communications (NEXi Text)
Cybersecurity and compliance support
Cross-jurisdictional interoperability

Key Events and Conferences for 2026

Staying connected with the NG911 community through industry events is one of the best ways

to stay current on technology developments, policy changes, and best practices.

Key events for 2026 include:

NENA Annual Conference and Expo
APCO Annual Conference and Expo
National 911 Education Coalition events
State-level 911 coordinator conferences and workshops
IAED Navigator Conference

Preparing for the Future of Emergency Response

The transition to NG911 is one of the most significant undertakings in the history of emergency

communications. For 911 professionals and PSAP leaders, staying informed and equipped with the right resources is essential.

With the right standards, training, funding, and technology partners in place, your agency can:

Ensure continuity during the transition from legacy 911 systems
Implement NG911 technologies with minimal disruption to operations
Meet FCC Phase 1 and Phase 2 requirements on schedule
Deliver smarter, faster, and safer emergency response outcomes
Support and retain the talented professionals who power your 911 center

Conclusion

We hope this 2026 NG911 Resource Guide serves as a valuable reference for your agency. If you are seeking expert guidance or preparing for your NG911 transition, we are here to help.

Ready to modernize your 911 system? Contact NGA's NG911 experts today to learn more about our services and solutions!

NG911 Resources for 2026: The Complete Guide for Public Safety Professionals