NG911 and the ERS recovery fee

What NG911 is

Next Generation 911 is a nationwide program to move the 911 system onto IP-based infrastructure. Beyond voice calls, it allows text messages, images, video, and other data to reach 911 centers, which gives emergency services more to work with.

Interoperability

Seamless communication between emergency response agencies across jurisdictions.

Security

Protects the integrity of emergency communications.

Standardization

Commonly accepted standards for consistent, reliable communication.

Enhanced data handling

Emergency communication centers can receive, process, and analyze all types of 911 request, and fold in additional useful information.

Information sharing

Request-related information can be shared between centers and response providers.

The FCC has mandated the transition, requiring service providers to implement these capabilities.

What the ERS recovery fee pays for

The Emergency Routing Service recovery fee in the Taxes section of your invoice covers part of the cost of moving to and maintaining NG911. Specifically, it goes toward upgrading infrastructure for IP-based emergency communications, routing calls accurately using real-time location data, and keeping the emergency network interoperable and resilient.

More detail is available from 911.gov and the FCC.