BOISE, ID – The Idaho Public Safety Communications Commission (IPSCC) approved grant funding to move forward with the implementation of Next Generation 911 (NG911), a major step toward modernizing Idaho’s emergency response system and connecting all 911 call centers across the state through a secure, digital network.

NG911 replaces decades-old analog infrastructure with a more advanced system that allows dispatch centers to receive real-time mobile location data, text messages, photos, videos and live call transcription. It enables public safety answering points (PSAPs) to serve as backups to one another and includes the technology and connectivity needed to route calls based on a caller’s exact location within seconds, including specific rooms in large buildings. NG911 is also built to handle call surges during disasters and to ensure Idaho’s 911 system can adapt as emergency communications technology continues to evolve.

“We are proud to have been part of the process in developing a strategy to bring Next Generation 911 to Idaho,” said IPSCC Chairman and Payette County Sheriff, Andy Creech. “This transition will save lives and strengthen the connection between 911 callers and our law enforcement, fire and EMS teams. It’s a major step forward in ensuring every Idahoan has access to fast, reliable emergency response.”

Idaho now joins nearly every other state and U.S. territory in adopting NG911. This decision sets the stage for a phased implementation that will bring all participating counties online with the new system in the months ahead.

The $15 million NG911 transition is funded through the Emergency Communications Grant Fee, a 25-cent surcharge on phone bills. Forty-three of Idaho’s 44 counties will participate in the grant program.

IPSCC also approved a $1.33 million grant to support Geographic Information System (GIS) projects in communities across Idaho to help integrate seamlessly with NG911. The funds will help create a four-person team to work directly with counties throughout the state, including the 32 that do not have a GIS professional on staff.

GIS professionals play an integral role in NG911 effectiveness. The data curated by GIS personnel contains crucial information concerning response districts, cellular user data, and most importantly, the caller’s precise location within a few feet. Accuracy is important, as even the slightest discrepancy in data can delay telecommunicators from quickly and confidently dispatching help.

IPSCC and the Idaho Office of Emergency Management will work closely with counties and emergency response partners to support implementation, training, and public education throughout the rollout process.

For media inquiries, please contact 911 Program Manager Eric Newman at 208-995-6984 or enewman@imd.idaho.gov.

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