The FCC is updating old rules that were built for copper phone lines and TDM networks. These changes are speeding up the move to modern, IP‑based systems across the country. For 9‑1‑1 authorities and ECCs, this shift is more than a simple technical update; it affects how emergency calls are routed, delivered, and supported.
As carriers retire older equipment and replace it with IP-based technology, the industry is seeing higher costs, reduced availability of TDM circuits, and more pressure to migrate quickly. This is exactly why Phase 1 of the FCC’s modernization matters: it accelerates the move toward consistent SIP ingress and a more standardized NG9-1-1 environment.
That standardization is what unlocks the next step—true interoperability. When everyone connects using the same i3-aligned interfaces, OSP ingress, NGCS functions, and CHE connections become inherently vendor-agnostic. The goal isn’t to steer ECCs toward particular equipment; it’s to make sure any compliant CHE can work with any compliant NGCS, and that we can connect with all. Standard-based connections are what make that possible.
The FCC’s modernization efforts have encouraged carriers to move away from TDM much faster than expected. In many areas, older circuits are harder to get, more expensive, and less reliable. Some regions have seen major increases in the cost of keeping TDM connections in place because there are fewer carriers offering those services. This creates delays and challenges when ECCs still depend on selective routers or older interconnection paths to reach NG9‑1‑1 systems.
To help solve this problem, the FCC adopted new rules in 2025 that require Originating Service Providers to establish SIP connections to NG9‑1‑1 within six months. This rule finally makes it clear who is responsible for connecting to NG9‑1‑1, and it helps move the entire industry toward a simpler, more modern system. While some areas may move faster than others, especially rural or multi‑carrier regions, the long‑term direction is the same for everyone: the nation is shifting to an all‑IP emergency communications environment.
As this change happens, CHE’s independence becomes even more important. ECCs need the freedom to:
- keep their current CHE,
- select a new one when their needs change,
- explore modern or cloud‑based options, and
- make upgrades without having to redo their entire NGCS or ESInet setup.
When CHE and NGCS decisions are kept separate, ECCs stay in control of how they operate. They can choose technology based on what works for their people, not on what a network vendor prefers or what an aging system can support. This separation isn’t just a best practice; it’s exactly what the i3v3 standard is designed to enforce. By making the connection between originating service providers, NGCS, and CHE fully standards-based and vendor-agnostic, i3v3 ensures that any compliant components can work together without forcing an ECC into a single-vendor ecosystem.
This idea connects directly to the goals of NG9‑1‑1. A true i3 environment should allow any compliant CHE to work with any NGCS provider. SIP and IP‑based routing make this much easier, and they reduce the risk of getting locked into a single vendor’s ecosystem. In a modern NG9‑1‑1 setup, ECCs should be able to ask, “Will this NGCS work with our CHE?” and the answer should always be yes.
Carriers across the country are already updating equipment, adding SIP capability, or using temporary technology to bridge between old and new systems. Most experts expect the nationwide transition to IP‑based interconnection to take another 12 to 24 months. Once complete, the system will be more flexible, more reliable, and better aligned with the advanced features NG9‑1‑1 was designed to support.
The FCC’s modernization is not just about shutting down copper lines — it’s a chance to build a stronger and more interoperable 9‑1‑1 system. Agencies that plan ahead and protect their CHE flexibility will be better prepared for the future, avoid unnecessary costs, and keep their operations running smoothly during this period of change.
As the country moves toward a fully IP‑based emergency network, the most resilient path forward is one that allows ECCs to choose the CHE that works best for them, while relying on NGCS providers who support openness, standards, and interoperability at every step.
If you still have questions, check out the INdigital Webinar that covered the FCC R&O and answered audience questions here.
Additional Resources: