The National Emergency Number Association has released Next Generation 9-1-1: Responding to an Urgent Need for Change, a report summarizing the initial findings and recommendations of NENA’s next-generation E-911 Program. The document also presents detailed recommendations for a new “system of systems” to serve 911 and emergency communications in the future.

“The 911 system of today has been stretched to its limit due to the advancement of modern communications technology, and is ill-equipped to handle calls from, and take advantage of, new and future communications technologies,” said Dr. Robert Cobb, next-generation E-911 program manager, speaking at a NENA conference. “The recommendations in this report will have far-reaching implications not just for 911 but for all of emergency communications. Emerging technology is presenting us with tremendous challenges, but also opportunities to have a system that can respond to calls for help — anytime, anywhere, and with any device.”

Learn more about NENA and the next-generation E-911 program here.