FAQ

What do you mean by “NG911”?

Next Generation 911 (NG911) refers to an initiative aimed at updating the 911 service infrastructure in Canada to improve public emergency communications services in a wireless mobile society. In addition to calling 911 from a phone, it intends to enable the public to transmit text, images and video to a 911 Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP).

What is the difference between the current Basic 911 service and the NG911 service?

The current 911 system is called Basic 911. With a Basic 911 service, information such as phone number and location is not automatically provided to the 911 Call Taker when the call is received. This information has to be obtained from the caller, by call trace or through a cellular location identification application.

A NG911 service will automatically provide the 911 Call Taker with the caller’s location information and phone number allowing for a more efficient 911 service that does not rely on the caller for vital information. NG911 will also allow 911 Call Takers to receive text messages, images and videos – a service not currently available with Basic 911.

What are the benefits of NG911?

911 Call Takers will be able to find you without needing to ask or clarify your location. This is especially helpful for no voice calls when callers are unable to speak.

NG911 systems are capable of transferring the location information automatically to other NG911 capable emergency responder's dispatch systems, which can help with their response.

When will Newfoundland and Labrador be getting NG911?

Current timelines for NG911 system implementation in Newfoundland and Labrador are dependent on national industry working groups identifying the ability for NG911 service to operate in areas that do not have civic addressing. As the 911 Division operates a province-wide 911 service, the NG911 service functionality in Newfoundland and Labrador must accommodate areas that do not have civic addressing. Once determined, the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) will require telecommunications service providers to be ready to offer NG911 voice service (911 calls delivered over IP networks) to 911 PSAPs by an established timeline.