Next Generation 9-1-1

Texting with 9-1-1 or sending in photos or video during an emergency situation is a future capability of the Next Generation 9-1-1 system and is not expected to become available in B.C. for at least the next few years.

The transition to Next Generation 9-1-1 has been mandated by the federal government to modernize our aging emergency communications infrastructure, which was developed decades ago with landlines in mind. This change will be happening in phases across Canada. The Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has set a deadline of March 31, 2027, for the national transition to take place. E-Comm’s implementation of NG9-1-1 is on track to take place well ahead of that time.

As the largest public safety answering point in the province, E-Comm is overseeing the implementation of Next Generation 9-1-1 in British Columbia. Our team has been working to build the physical infrastructure necessary to support the digital network, while also conducting rigorous testing, and helping to develop technology solutions such as the new automated system for accidental 9-1-1 calls. We will also be helping to transition partner sites to Next Generation 9-1-1, including BC Emergency Health Services and the BC RCMP. The size and scope of our NG9-1-1 implementation project likely makes it one of the biggest and most complex in Canada, if not North America!

In March 2023, the Province provided E-Comm with $90 million towards the initial implementation of Next Generation 9-1-1. The one-time funding has helped to offset start-up costs, resulting in a significant savings for local governments and agency partners.  E-Comm is proud to have played a leadership role in working with the Province and municipal governments to help facilitate this key contribution in support of the federally-mandated NG9-1-1 project.