Next-generation 911 is coming soon

In Canada, the implementation of next-generation 9-1-1, or NG9-1-1, will take place over the next three years.

What is next-generation 9-1-1?  Next-generation (NG)9-1-1 is a mandatory replacement of the current 9-1-1 infrastructure and systems across Canada. The current 9-1-1 system has reached end of life. It cannot keep up with evolving technologies and current expectations of a modern emergency communication 9-1-1 system.

This will create an environment where new methods of communication such as text, photos and video can be sent to Public Safety Answering Points.  This will provide greater situational awareness and enable efficient sharing of information to deliver the right resources, to the right location in the fastest way possible, to people in need of emergency response.  

The New Brunswick 911 Bureau is working with the Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) and service delivery stakeholders to transition and migrate the legacy system to the new NG9-1-1 platform over the next few years.

The upgrade will improve public safety by allowing the use of new media and data for reporting emergencies and events. This could be streaming video from an emergency incident, sending photos of accident damage or of a fleeing suspect, or sending personal medical information that could greatly aid emergency responders and provide greater situational awareness.

The new system will be phased in, with full implementation by 2024. There will be no interruption of 9-1-1 service: New Brunswickers can continue to dial 9-1-1 if they have immediate need of emergency services.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), which regulates telecommunications in Canada, has mandated this change. The current system is reaching end-of-life capacity and will be decommissioned by March 2024.

Every phone line has a 9-1-1 fee of 97 cents per month per phone line. 

Of the $0.97 per month, $0.90 goes to the improvement and operation of the NB 9-1-1 service, and the remaining $0.07 seven cents goes to the telephone companies as a billing and collection fee.