Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG911) Cost Study

The purpose of this report is to present an estimate of the remaining costs required to complete the nationwide transition from legacy 911 systems to secure, interoperable, IP and standards-based NG911 systems. The report finds that finds that the estimated cost of implementing NG911 nationwide has declined since NTIA’s 2018 assessment, reflecting both state investments to date and a broader shift in the market from equipment-based systems to software-driven subscription models. As many states have made significant investments since 2018 and as the market has evolved toward lower upfront costs and recurring service-based pricing, the estimated remaining cost of nationwide implementation has fallen from $9.5 billion to $12.7 billion in 2018 to $5.8 billion to $9.27 billion today, a reduction of roughly 30 to 40% that is even more significant after accounting for inflation.

This estimate is intended to inform national-level planning, coordination, oversight, and policy activities related to NG911 implementation. The report does not prescribe policy, and decisions regarding the appropriate federal role in nationwide NG911 implementation are outside the scope of the report. Accordingly, the report does not assume the existence of a federal grant program or include administrative costs associated with such a program.

This report documents the methodology, assumptions, data sources, and analytical framework used to develop an Independent Cost Estimate for NG911 implementation.