NG911 voice service must be provided by March 1, 2022
GATINEAU — The CRTC announced today it is extending the deadlines for the implementation and provision of next-generation 911 (NG911) networks and services in Canada.
NG911 networks will add IP-based capabilities to emergency services so that people will be able to eventually use text messaging or share photos and videos with emergency service operators.
Step one is establishing NG911 networks and introducing NG911 Voice capability.
In its decision today, the Commission is directing NG911 network providers to establish their NG911 networks, complete all NG911 production onboarding activities and be ready to provide NG911 Voice, wherever public safety answering points (PSAPs) have been established in a particular region, by March 1, 2022.
The Commission is also setting March 1, 2022 as the deadline for telecommunications service providers (TSPs) to: make the necessary changes to support NG911 Voice in their originating networks that are technically capable of supporting NG911 Voice, including completing all NG911 production onboarding activities and testing activities; and begin providing NG911 Voice to their customers served by networks that are technically capable of supporting NG911 Voice, wherever PSAPs have been established in a particular region.
At this time, the Commission is not establishing new deadlines for the implementation and provision of real-time test (RTT)-based NG911 Text Messaging. Instead, the Commission is requesting, once standards are sufficiently advanced with respect to RTT callback and bridging, the CRTC Interconnection Steering Committee (CISC) file a report with the Commission with recommendations related to the provision of NG911 Text Messaging for all stakeholders.
Furthermore, the Commission directs incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs) to decommission their current NG911 network components that will not form part of their NG911 networks by March 4, 2025 or earlier if the TSPs and PSAPs in an ILEC’s operating territory have completed their transition to NG911.
In addition, the Commission is directing Northwestel to inform the Commission by June 22, 2021 of its intent to either: comply with the new NG911 implementation deadlines, or file for the Commission’s approval, by October 1, 2021, an updated transition plan including the location of NG911 points of interconnection and timelines for the establishment of an NG911 network in its incumbent territory, where PSAPs have been established.
The Commission is also adjusting the deadlines for the CISC Emergency Services Working Group to file certain reports. These new deadlines are included in the Commission’s decision here.
