‘Next Generation’ 911 Services Coming to Idaho

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BOISE, ID – The Idaho Public Safety Communications Commission (IPSCC) has approved funding to implement Next Generation 911 (NG911), a significant upgrade to the state’s emergency response infrastructure. The decision marks a major step toward modernizing how 911 services operate in Idaho and connecting all public safety answering points (PSAPs) through a secure, digital network.

NG911 replaces the state’s decades-old analog system with a digital platform capable of handling real-time mobile location data, text messages, photos, videos, and live transcription of emergency calls. The new system also enhances interoperability between dispatch centers, allowing them to back up one another during service disruptions or call surges.

“This transition will save lives and strengthen the connection between 911 callers and our law enforcement, fire and EMS teams,” said IPSCC Chairman and Payette County Sheriff Andy Creech. “It’s a major step forward in ensuring every Idahoan has access to fast, reliable emergency response.”

The rollout of NG911 will be phased in over the coming months, with 42 of Idaho’s 44 counties participating. The $15 million project is funded by the Emergency Communications Grant Fee, a 25-cent surcharge collected through Idaho phone bills.

Idaho’s move to NG911 aligns the state with nearly all other states and U.S. territories that have already adopted the system. The technology allows emergency calls to be routed based on a caller’s exact location, including specific rooms in large buildings. It is also designed to withstand surges during large-scale emergencies and accommodate future technological advances in emergency communications.

In addition to NG911 funding, IPSCC approved a $1.33 million grant to support Geographic Information System (GIS) development across Idaho. The grant will fund a four-person team to assist counties—especially the 32 without a dedicated GIS professional—in integrating GIS data into the NG911 system. Accurate GIS data is essential to quickly pinpoint a caller’s location and dispatch the correct emergency response.

IPSCC and the Idaho Office of Emergency Management will coordinate with counties and emergency response agencies to provide training and public education during the system’s implementation.

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