The Broward County Board of County Commissioners recently awarded a multi-year agreement to Motorola Solutions Connectivity, Inc. to serve as the County's NG911 Core Services Provider. The project will replace the existing legacy 911 infrastructure with a fully digital, broadband-based platform that will enhance reliability, accuracy and coordination among public safety agencies throughout Broward County.

According to Broward County officials, the new system will provide a secure and resilient Emergency Services IP Network (ESInet) and Next Generation Core Services for all Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) countywide.

For residents, the upgrade means expanded ways to reach emergency services. In addition to traditional voice calls, the NG911 platform will support text messaging and, in the future, the ability to transmit images, video and other data directly to emergency dispatchers. The system will also improve caller location accuracy, strengthen cybersecurity protections and enhance interoperability between public safety agencies.

"In partnership with the Broward County E911 Office, BSO Regional Communications anticipates the launch of the Next Generation 911 (NG911) platform by late 2027/early 2028," said Lieutenant Pete Geary Jr., Executive Officer for the Weston District of the Broward Sheriff's Office. "NG911 represents the latest public safety technology for emergency communication platforms and is hallmarked by system capabilities that include the ability to receive inbound multi-media messaging (imaging/video), enhanced caller-location identification, and telephonic interoperability across disparate networks."

Lieutenant Geary noted that the technology will serve as a foundation for seamless coordination among agencies during emergencies and disasters.

"NG911 is the foundation for seamless cross-agency, interjurisdictional continuity of operations, and is another essential tool in providing critical, reliable services to the residents and visitors of our communities," he said.

County leaders say the investment reflects Broward's ongoing commitment to public safety and innovation.

Tracy Jackson, Director of Broward County's Office of Regional Communications and Technology, said the new platform will help create a safer and more connected future for residents and visitors throughout the county.

Implementation of the NG911 system is expected to occur over the next 12 to 18 months and will include extensive testing, training and stakeholder outreach to ensure a smooth transition. Broward County officials expect the enhanced capabilities to improve emergency response coordination while preparing the region for future public safety technologies.

For more information about Broward County's Next Generation 911 initiative, visit 911.broward.org. The full news release from Broward County is available online.