NG911 FirstNet Whitepaper

The emergency communications centers that answer calls to 9-1-1 and dispatch law enforcement, fire service and emergency medical responders face a wide variety of challenges including budget constraints, staffing shortages and rapidly changing technology. Two specific technologies, Next Generation 9-1-1 (or NG9-1-1) and the Public Safety Broadband Network (or FirstNet), have captured significant attention as emergency communications center leaders seek strategies to integrate these technologies into their operations. This whitepaper explores the similarities, differences and inter-relationships between these two emerging technologies. We will look at the appropriate roles and responsibilities for each technology, and consider strategies to create interoperability between these networks while also sustaining operational best practices and security in the emergency communications center.