The United States' 911 emergency response system, established in 1968, is critically out of date and requires immediate investment to transition into the digital age, according to analysis by Rebecca Neusteter.
When the system launched, it was designed for landline calls from fixed locations, allowing dispatchers to quickly determine caller addresses. However, nearly six decades later, the communication landscape has dramatically shifted. In 2024, over 75% of 911 calls originate from cellphones, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), and other wireless services, a figure likely even higher given that not all states track call types. Landline calls now constitute only about 7% of the total, and in many states, this number has fallen below 5% and is expected to continue declining.
This technological disparity poses a significant risk. The extra time required to pinpoint the location of callers using modern devices can have fatal consequences. Neusteter argues that this ongoing failure to modernize the 911 infrastructure is unacceptable and should be a national priority.
Congress must provide sufficient funding to ensure the 911 system is capable of effectively serving every community, regardless of its reliance on outdated or modern communication technologies. The urgency stems from the core function of 911: rapidly connecting individuals in crisis with the help they need. An outdated system impedes this critical mission, potentially delaying life-saving assistance.