Next Generation 9-1-1 Initiative

Slide 1. Next Generation 9-1-1 Initiative

ITS JPO Lead: Linda Dodge
Technical Lead: Drew Dawson, EMS Division, NHTSA

Slide 2. Challenge

• The 9-1-1 system, based on 30-year old technology, is expensive for local 9-1-1 call centers to maintain and incapable of supporting the text, data, images, and video that are increasingly common in personal communications. Such capabilities will be essential to future transportation safety and security services.
  • Travelers and other citizens cannot now use their "smart" technologies such as telematics, medical alert devices, or wireless computers to directly access 9-1-1 call centers and emergency responders.
  • Emergency centers cannot now send location-targeted hazard alerts and evacuation guidance to motorists or other mobile device users

Slide 3. Opportunity

• The "convergence" trend in telecommunications and information technology provides an opportunity to make integrated voice, data, and graphical communications for public safety practical.
• There appears to be broad stakeholder consensus regarding shortcomings of current 9-1-1 system and need for change.
• USDOT has established a strong relationship with 9-1-1 community and status as neutral partner

Slide 4. Goals

• Establish the foundation for public emergency services in a wireless mobile society
• Pave the way for fundamental changes (who, what, where, how) in moving emergency information
• Enable E9-1-1 "calls" from most types of communication or networked device

Slide 5. Milestone/End Product

• National architecture for NG9-1-1 system
• Transition plan for NG9-1-1 implementation

Slide 6. Roadmap

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Slide 7. Program Plan/Approach

• The Initiative consists of three phases
  • Phase 1: Engage stakeholders.
  • Phase 2: Establish the vision.
  • Phase 3: Define the future.
• Duration of Initiative
  • FY04–FY07

Slide 8. Phase 1: Engage the Stakeholders

• Goal: Leverage USDOT's Wireless E9-1-1 Initiative activities and relationships
• Action
• Involve other stakeholders through RFI, technology forums and other outreach efforts

Slide 9. Phase 2: Establish the Vision

• Goal 1: Determine Operational Practices and User Requirements
  • Action
    • Document an operation concept and key requirements based on the RFI response, advisory groups, technology forums, and white papers
• Goal 2: Proof-of Concept Research and Demonstration
  • Action
    • Undertake relatively small projects that could influence the scope and direction of the "definition" activities

Slide 10. Phase 3: Define the Future

• Goal 1: Define Next Generation 9-1-1 System
  • Action
    • Create government/industry partnership to define and document the system framework and a transition plan.
• Goal 2: Coordinate Standards
  • Action
    • Provide the bridge between this initiative and on-going IP-telephony standards development and related activities
• Goal 3: Evaluate NG9-1-1 Framework and Transition Plans
  • Action
    • Assess potential system performance, costs and benefits, and risks

Slide 11. Summary

• 9-1-1 system capabilities have critical implications for public safety in general, and transportation safety, mobility, and security in particular.
• Personal and network technologies now make ubiquitous emergency access possible.
• While significant challenges lie ahead, now is the optimal time for this Initiative and USDOT is well-positioned to lead it.