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The Benefits of Delivering Next-Generation 911 Services for your Staff and Customers
In today’s digital age, communication is key, especially when it comes to emergency services. As such, upgrading to Next Generation 911 (NG911) services is crucial for all enterprises. However, some legacy providers may hesitate to make the switch, citing a range of excuses to avoid the cost and effort involved. Let’s explore some of the most common arguments against upgrading to NG911 and our expert’s responses to dispel the fear, uncertainty, and doubt these legacy providers create.
FEAR: It’s not in my budget to upgrade …
A common argument for not to switch to NG911 is the fear of the cost involved. Often legacy E911 providers will claim that implementing a legacy system now and up-converting to NG911 where needed is the cheaper option. This is classic fear, uncertainty, and doubt marketing most often used by solution providers without an NG911 solution to offer. In the end, this approach will cost more. The upgrade to NG911 will be postponed, but the business will incur higher operating expenses from the less efficient legacy network during the transition. Legacy solutions require device-specific records and phone numbers, whereas, in contrast, NG911 services utilize dynamic location reporting at the time of the call. This is much more cost-effective, taking advantage of NG911 operational efficiencies immediately.
UNCERTAINTY: NG911 won’t be ready for years …
The fact is, NG911 is ready now. The network is actively being deployed at the state level by carriers nationwide. PSAP/ECCs have been installing NG911-compliant systems as they upgrade, and any delay is typically due to normal IT refresh schedules rather than a lack of available technology. Some legacy providers will argue that NG911 networks are not complete, and the full rollout is years away. What they fail to mention is that, like any network, the new NG911 network is being built in layers, starting from the core and extending outwards towards the ECCs, and eventually towards the ingress carriers. Innovative NG911 carrier providers like Bandwidth, are already aggregating traffic from enterprise networks into an NG911-compliant access network. This network feeds the state’s Next Generation ESINets where available, and down-converts the data where legacy systems are still in place. As the network expands, NO ACTION is needed by the originating customer.
DOUBT: The NG911 standards are not finished …
This is likely the single truth coming from the Legacy providers. What they fail to mention is that NG911 standards will NEVER be finished. The internationally recognized NENA i3 NG911 standards are designed to evolve as technology evolves. NENA i3 requires specific criteria for both forward and backward compatibility to ensure maximum return on investment values. Also, NG911 data is extensible. This simply means it is additive in nature, and the legacy components never expire. They are simply evolved into new data elements that become relevant as capabilities and modalities emerge and evolve. This is one of the most valid reasons NOT to delay the switch to NG911 now.
MORE FEAR: NG911 has no proven reliability …
Unlike the legacy E911 network, NG911 has resiliency, reliability, and diversity engineered into the core standards. It is the legacy network that is at risk of failure, as there is no financial incentive for carriers to keep that infrastructure alive as customers migrate away from the analog network to new high-speed digital facilities. This simple fact is the cost to repair and maintain exceeds the revenue generated, and it has become a financial drain on the carrier networks.
MORE DOUBT: NG911 will overload understaffed dispatch centers …
911 centers are often overloaded due to the operational inefficiencies the legacy E911 network forces on agencies. NG911 can reduce call taker workload as common tasks can be automated into pre-established workflows, like any other contact center in operation today. The e-commerce boom experienced over the last two decades has proven to be a tremendous training ground as processes have been fine-tuned. Deploying the same models to life-safety services will increase the network’s resiliency and reliability capabilities while reducing operational costs.
Make the change …
NG911 is more efficient to operate from a carrier service delivery and enterprise perspective. More efficient and functional workflow models provide the elimination of expensive FTE resources required to manage and maintain static legacy databases at the core of legacy E911 networks that cannot provide in-the-moment information often required for today’s mobile and nomadic workforce.
Upgrading to Next Generation 911 services is essential for enterprises to improve communication in emergency situations. Despite common arguments against the switch, NG911 is already being deployed at the state level and is more cost-effective. By embracing NG911, enterprises can deliver better services to both their staff and customers and pave the way for a safer tomorrow.
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