FCC Pushes 911 Into the Digital Era: What OSPs and PSAPs Need to Know

The FCC has issued a new order that begins the long-awaited transition of 911 from old TDM (time-division multiplexed) phone lines to modern, IP-based Next Generation 911 (NG911) networks.

This change affects two groups most directly: Originating Service Providers (OSPs)—the phone, wireless, and VoIP companies that carry 911 calls—and Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs)—the 911 centers that field those calls.

What’s Changing?

For decades, OSPs sent 911 calls over copper, circuit-switched TDM trunks. That system worked for voice, but it can’t easily handle text, video, photos, or precise location data—all of which are essential in today’s world.

Under the new FCC order, OSPs must begin delivering 911 calls in digital SIP format (the same protocol that drives most internet calling). On the other end, PSAPs must be ready to receive and process those IP-based calls.

The Two Phases of the Transition

The FCC laid out a two-step process:

Phase 1: The Starting Point

• PSAP’s role: Certify that it’s ready to receive IP-based 911 traffic (has an ESInet or other NG911-ready system).
• OSP’s role: Convert calls from legacy TDM into basic SIP format and deliver them to the PSAP’s digital entry point.
  
  

Phase 2: Full NG911 Compliance

• PSAP’s role: Maintain readiness and request full NG911 delivery.
• OSP’s role: Deliver calls in standard NG911 SIP format with embedded location data, connect with a Location Information Server, and support interoperability with other networks. Alternatively, the OSP can deliver traffic to a 3^rd party who will convert it into SIP format

Who Pays?

If OSPs and PSAPs (or states) don’t make another arrangement, the default rule is that OSPs must cover the cost of converting and delivering 911 calls in the proper format. This ensures the transition doesn’t stall because of funding disputes

Deadlines

• The FCC’s rules took effect March 25, 2025.
• Once a PSAP makes a valid request, the OSP has a fixed compliance window (typically 6 months; some smaller carriers may get 12 months).

What This Means in Practice

• For PSAPs: Get your NG911 systems ready. Once you’re IP-capable, you can formally request carriers to deliver calls in SIP.
• For OSPs: Be prepared to upgrade routing and translation systems. The burden is on you to deliver calls in the right format once a request is made.

Bottom Line

The FCC is actively pursuing improvements to the nation’s 911 system.  Last year the FCC issued an order requiring specific reporting requirements for 911 outages.  The latest FCC’s order gives PSAPs the power to trigger the digital transition and requires OSPs to do the heavy lifting on conversion and delivery. These orders have sparked renewed activity on the part of PSAP’s and OSP’s.  Many smaller OSP’s are now being more proactive in analyzing their call records to identify 911outages that may be occurring for short durations.  ATS is helping companies to analyze their traffic to identify 911 service anomalies and comply with those reporting requirements for 911 outages. The newest order will kickstart the transformation of 911 services to the digital era bringing in a 911 system that is not only faster and more resilient but also capable of handling text, video, and precise location data—making emergency response smarter and potentially lifesaving. 

Learn how ATS helps carriers modernize 911 systems and maintain FCC compliance.