{
  "id": 5957604,
  "title": "America’s 911 System Is Dangerously Out of Date",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/americas-911-system-is-dangerously-out-of-date",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-06T10:00:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Time",
    "slug": "time",
    "url": "https://time.com/article/2026/09/06/america-s-911-system-is-dangerously-out-of-date/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "For over half a century, the 911 emergency response system in the United States has served as a critical lifeline for millions of citizens, providing a familiar and comforting question to those in crisis: \"911, what is your emergency?\" However, as technology has evolved, the system has fallen dangerously out of date. In 2024, more than three-quarters of 911 calls are made via cellphones or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, compared to only about 7% from landlines. This shift in usage has created significant challenges for emergency responders, as outdated 911 technology often fails to accurately pinpoint callers' locations.\n\nThe current system relies on cell tower location data, which can be inaccurate and outdated, leading to delays in emergency response. In rural areas, where towers are scarce, or in dense urban environments like high-rise apartments, it can take up to 30 seconds for a 911 call to be accurately routed. This delay can be deadly, especially in situations where every second counts, such as active shooter incidents or home invasions. Furthermore, callers themselves may not always be able to provide their location accurately, adding to the frustration and potential risk.\n\nDespite numerous attempts to upgrade the 911 system, federal funding has been insufficient or non-existent since the ENHANCE 911 Act was enacted in 2004. The lack of funding has left states to fend for themselves, resulting in a system that is no longer fit for purpose. Thirty-eight states have pledged to upgrade to NextGen 911, an Internet Protocol-based system that would provide accurate location data and support new modes of communication, including text and video 911 calls. This upgrade would not only improve emergency response times but also benefit individuals with disabilities, such as the deaf and hard-of-hearing.\n\nThe cost of upgrading to NextGen 911 is estimated at approximately $15 billion, a significant investment but one that would save lives and money in the long run. The longer the system remains outdated, the greater the risk to public safety. It is high time for Congress to prioritize this issue and fully fund the necessary upgrades to ensure that every American can access a reliable and effective 911 service. With proper investment, our nation's emergency response system can evolve to meet the demands of the modern world and protect lives in an increasingly digital age.",
  "summary": "The United States has let our 911 emergency response system languish for decades, failing to make the necessary investments to bring it into the digital age, writes Rebecca Neusteter.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}