Many states and local 9-1-1 authorities continue to examine the feasibility of migration to an IP-based NG9-1-1 system.  A growing number of national initiatives are focused on NG9-1-1 implementation, including NENA Committee work, the USDOT NG9-1-1 Initiative, the Technical Assistance Center of the National 9-1-1 Office, and a variety of standards efforts.  It is extremely important that stakeholders like those represented by the Partner Program have an opportunity to help shape the success of these efforts.    That is a major reason why the Partner Program exists.

Numerous action items and recommendations from organized NGPP meetings have been incorporated into a broad spectrum of NENA technical, operations, and policy groups, and other industry and governmental efforts.  While NGPP products (including reports, policy briefs and annual summary reports) document many remaining questions and challenges related to NG9-1-1, the overall knowledge base and appreciation of the importance of the issue continues to rapidly expand.  In addition to increased awareness of NG9-1-1, more specificity and detail around a multitude of technical, operations and policy issues are being developed as part of NENA's detailed NG9-1-1 project plan.

The focus of the NGPP in 2008 was to examine a number of policy issues that impact the ability to accomplish NG9-1-1.  Included were issues concerning state level 9-1-1 leadership and coordination; funding; establishing state-wide Emergency Services IP Networks (ESInets); how to address transitional regulatory/legislative/tariff modifications; accuracy; and confidentiality.  

NENA will continue to work through technical, operational and policy issues in 2009.  Tackling the critical institutional, policy and regulatory transition challenges will continue to be the focus of the Partner Program this coming year.  Furthermore, with the USDOT NG9-1-1 Initiative now nearing the completion of the two-year project period, it is important that the 9-1-1 community use the information developed in that project and take the next steps toward implementation of NG9-1-1, with appropriate involvement of Program Partners.   The agenda for the next year will be built around the various policy initiatives and regulatory/legislative requirements for accelerated implementation.  To provide a real-world context for work during the next year, a 17-county area in Southern Illinois has been selected as a pilot project for observation and to build recommendations for similar implementation efforts across rural America.  The NGPP also plans to support NENA’s certification/accreditation program for companies to test their products and services in a laboratory environment.  NENA’s NG9-1-1 Project calls for a first application of a full NG9-1-1 system is planned by early 2010.

If you wish to become a member of the Next Generation Partner Program, please complete the Sign-Up Form and send to NENA Headquarters.  If you have any questions about the Program, please contact Dr. Robert Cobb by email or at 614.846.2911.