Game-Changing Technologies Poised to Reshape 9-1-1
(Originally published in Urgent Communications.)
From native multimedia calls to satellite-to-smartphone links and ESInet interoperability, new capabilities are emerging fast.
911 and public-safety networks have entered a pivotal phase. A convergence of technological breakthroughs and regulatory momentum is redefining how emergency-communications networks will be designed, deployed, and operated. These developments aren’t merely incremental—they’re transformative.
Technologies developed for commercial use are being rapidly adapted to serve public safety. In just the past few months, three major advancements stand out:
Native multimedia transmission from the public to 911 and across emergency networks;
Direct-to-device satellite connectivity for public and responder communications; and
Federal regulatory proposals to mandate interoperability across Emergency Services IP Network (ESInets).
Let’s explore each of these, with examples drawn from public announcements and FCC actions.
Native Multimedia Capabilities for 911
Today, most multimedia sharing with 911 relies on a link sent via text that a caller must click to initiate photo or video sharing. While this method has expanded capabilities in important ways, it requires extra steps and lacks the prioritization and seamless integration of a standard 911 call. Essentially, innovators created a needed workaround. Meanwhile, the public has long enjoyed the seamless ability to share multimedia content with each other—just not with 911.
Next-generation 911 (NG911) service providers are now beginning to integrate native multimedia into IP-based ESInet platforms. For example, recent updates announced in June will let emergency calls—where supported by networks and 911 emergency communications center (ECC) systems—include real-time photo and video content to be transmitted directly to ECCs, without requiring third-party apps or manual activation. Policies also will need to continue to address privacy, evidentiary handling, and the potential impacts that incident-related imagery could have on telecommunicators.
Shortly after, a live demo pushed this concept further, illustrating a three-way native video emergency call connecting a simulated citizen, public-safety telecommunicator, and first responder over 4G/5G networks. This illustrates the next frontier: not only receiving multimedia natively at the ECC, but also seamlessly sharing it in real time with responders in the field.
Native multimedia functionality—in environments where ECC systems and policies support it—will enhance situational awareness and operational efficiency, accelerating the evolution of ECCs from reactive “answering points” to proactive, data-driven command-and-control centers. These breakthroughs offer a glimpse of what NG911 is positioned to deliver at scale.
Direct-to-Device Satellite Connectivity
An FCC framework known as “supplemental coverage from space” (SCS) enables ordinary smartphones to connect via satellite when cellular networks are unavailable—importantly, with no specialized hardware required.
Once regulatory matters—including routing and location services for satellite-placed calls—are resolved and commercial agreements finalized, staying connected despite a lack of terrestrial cellular coverage increasingly will become possible, which is especially useful in emergency situations.
Each of the major commercial carriers in the U.S. is in various stages of implementing SCS partnerships with satellite operators. These services are expected to roll out incrementally, with initial services limited to text and voice calls (including to 911) and broadband capabilities anticipated in future phases.
Public-safety broadband network subscribers will benefit similarly. For example, AST SpaceMobile and AT&T recently received regulatory approval to bring direct-to-cellular connectivity via satellites to first responders on FirstNet.
These developments will help mitigate dead zones (though terrain, weather, and service availability may still affect coverage), enhance disaster resilience, and ensure that both the public and first responders can communicate—even in the most remote or compromised environments.
FCC Proposal for ESInet Interoperability
In March, the FCC issued a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would require interstate interoperability for voice and non-voice communications among ESInets. If adopted, this rule would embed interoperability into the foundation of NG911, supporting operations across jurisdictional boundaries and enabling coordination with distant agencies during large-scale mutual-aid situations. While the FCC must still consider the full public record and potentially account for any needed governance and standards alignment, it has set a clear direction toward fulfilling this fundamental public-safety need.
Achieving ESInet-level interoperability would unlock numerous benefits, including:
Seamless transfers and rerouting, such as to backup centers and Telecommunicator Emergency Response Teams (TERTs), which would improve resiliency;
More complete information sharing, which could eliminate the need to re-ask questions or re-enter data;
Real-time data sharing for multi-jurisdictional incidents;
Improved resource allocation, such as dispatching the closest or most specialized available units; and
A more consistent level of service to the public, regardless of location.
Putting it All Together
While AI-driven workflow tools and cloud-native ECC infrastructure already are reshaping how 911 centers operate today, the three developments highlighted here represent a next wave of transformation that promise to drive expanded capabilities, broader coverage, and enhanced interoperability. Realizing their full potential will require not only technological readiness but also sustainable resources to support deployment and long-term operations.
We are now within sight of the day when it will be routine for a member of the public—or any connected sensor (e.g. vehicle telematics, gunshot detectors, flood alarms, wearable health monitors)—to send voice, text, broadband data, and multimedia from virtually any device and location directly to 911. In addition, these technological advances will let responders receive, share, and act on that information seamlessly, regardless of jurisdiction or network conditions.
The future of 911 is arriving faster than expected, bringing both opportunities and challenges for public safety leaders and industry partners to act with urgency, vision, and strategic alignment. Sustained funding will be essential to ensure these advancements are implemented and maintained nationwide, so communities of all sizes and resource levels can deliver consistent, high-level emergency response.