Next-generation 9-1-1
The CRTC’s role
Next-generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) is a new and improved 9-1-1 service. Once launched, NG9-1-1 will give Canadians and first responders new tools that will enhance public safety by providing quicker and more accessible communication during emergencies.
The transition to NG9-1-1 is a shared responsibility between all levels of government and telecommunications service providers. The CRTC’s role is to regulate the telecommunications service providers that connect 9-1-1 calls to first responders.
Moving forward
NG9-1-1 will make it possible to provide additional details about emergency situations. For example, in the future, Canadians could send a video of an accident, as well as make medical information available to first responders. This will lead to safer, faster and more informed emergency responses.
Because the transition to NG9-1-1 involves telecommunications service providers, the CRTC has a role in setting a deadline for parties to be NG9-1-1 ready. As a first step, the CRTC directed all phone and cellphone service companies to update their networks from analog to digital, so they are ready to provide NG9-1-1 voice and text messaging services. This will enable them to carry these NG9-1-1 calls and connect them to call centres. At the same time, provincial, territorial and municipal governments need to ensure their emergency call centres are ready for the new service.
We directed all telecommunications providers to update their networks for NG9-1-1 voice services by March 31, 2027. We will keep working with them as they continue to modernize their networks to ensure Canadians have access to a secure and reliable network for emergency calls.
These updates will not affect current access to 9-1-1. If you need emergency help, you will still be able to dial 9-1-1 as you do today.
Switching over to the new NG9-1-1 network is an important step in new services becoming available in the future, such as real-time text messaging. A deadline for providing NG9-1-1 real-time text messaging to the general public will be set at a later date.
Related links
- textwith911.ca (external link)
- Various applicants – Updated timeline for full transition to Next Generation 9-1-1 (Telecom Decision CRTC 2025-67)
- Establishment of new deadlines for Canada’s transition to next-generation 9-1-1 (Telecom Decision CRTC 2021-199)
- Next-generation 9-1-1 network design efficiencies (Telecom Regulatory Policy CRTC 2019-66)
- Next-generation 9-1-1: Modernizing 9-1-1 networks to meet the public safety needs of Canadians (Telecom Regulatory Policy CRTC 2017-182)
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