On March 27, 2025, the FCC adopted a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) proposing improvements to ensure the resiliency, reliability, interoperability, and accessibility of Next Generation 911 (NG911) networks. NG911 will provide improved support for the full range of 911 voice, text, data, and video communications, which will enable improved 911 access for individuals with disabilities.
Specifically about accessibility, the FCC seeks comment on:
- Ensuring that NG911 systems support interoperability for non-voice 911 services, with specific emphasis on text, video, and multimedia capabilities that support 911 access for people with disabilities.
- Implementing new interoperable text messaging protocols, such as Rich Communications Service (RCS), for text-to-911 calls.
- Ensuring that NG911 systems can transmit sign-language communications, including through:
- Relay services, including video relay service (VRS);
- Three-way video relay services with the 911 caller, a sign language interpreter, and a 911 call center representative; and
- Direct video calling (DVC) between a sign language user and a 911 call center representative.
- Enabling support on NG911 networks for voice, text, and video calls over Internet Protocol (IP)-based relay services such as VRS and Internet Protocol Relay Service (IP Relay).
Dates for filing comments will be announced when available.
Link to the NG911 Networks FNPRM:
URL: https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-proposes-action-improve-next-generation-911-0
Additional information on 911 services is available at: https://www.fcc.gov/general/9-1-1-and-e9-1-1-services. For further information on this proceeding, contact Rachel Wehr at Rachel.Wehr@fcc.gov or (202) 418-1138, or Brenda Boykin at Brenda.Boykin@fcc.gov or (202) 418-2062, of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, Policy and Licensing Division. Individuals who use videophones and are fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) may call the FCC’s ASL Consumer Support Line at (844) 432-2275 (videophone).