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NENA Releases New Version of the i3 Standard for Next Generation 9-1-1

National Emergency Number Association • Jul 15, 2021
North America’s leading 9-1-1 standards-development body today approved a landmark new version of its Next Generation 9-1-1 standard, a move that will accelerate the transition to smarter, faster, and more resilient emergency response. Version 3 of NENA's i3 Standard for Next Generation 9-1-1 includes key updates to NG9-1-1 infrastructure, paving the way for interoperability on a national and international scale.

“This is a landmark moment in the evolution of NG9-1-1,” said Gary Bell, ENP, President of NENA. “The public-safety community and the tech industry now have the most up-to-date, comprehensive, consensus-driven, open standard for NG9-1-1. This will no doubt hasten and strengthen our push to see NG9-1-1 systems, services, and products deployed coast to coast.”

NENA’s family of NG9-1-1 standards - with i3 serving as the keystone - enables data-rich, secure, IP-based communications from the public, through 9-1-1, to every field responder. The new version will serve as the foundation of a 21st Century, broadband-based 9-1-1 ecosystem. Version 3 changes include:

  • New REST/JSON architecture, following modern best practices for interface design;
  • Cybersecurity improvements;
  • Major updates to call bridging;
  • Discrepancy Reports;
  • Outgoing Call Interface Function;
  • Blind transfer support;
  • Updates to handle novel call types (including non-interactive calls and Advanced Automatic Crash Notifications); and
  • Harmonization with European specifications.
Beyond these changes, the new version of i3 includes many more feature improvements and updates. Also, NENA has made Version 3 APIs (based on the Open API specification) available in this code repository.

Brian Rosen, Co-Chair of the i3 Architecture Working Group, said, “i3 Version 3 represents the culmination of several years of effort by a large group of experts to produce a complete and interoperable specification implementable by all 9-1-1 authorities and vendors. It adds new functionality requested by PSAPs and updates the specifications for software-application interfaces. i3v3 is undoubtedly the new standard for state and local NG9-1-1 RFPs, and vendors will now be able to upgrade their implementations with greater confidence.”

i3 is an American National Standard candidate, and in the coming weeks NENA expects full ANSI approval, confirming that development of the standard complied with all ANSI Essential Requirements.

NENA has been developing non-proprietary, consensus-based, universally-used, and universally-recognized 9-1-1 standards for more than thirty years. NENA’s more than 1,000 volunteers work an estimated 33,000 hours annually to develop, update, and manage nearly two-hundred operational and technical standards for E9-1-1 and NG9-1-1. NENA is an ANSI-accredited standards-development organization; the association welcomes all interested parties to join its working groups.

“In the midst of a pandemic that disrupted every facet of our lives, NENA volunteers worked tirelessly to develop and publish i3 Version 3 through the rigorous, consensus-based processes that NENA is known for,” said Bell. “We cannot applaud them enough for their dedication to public safety and NG9-1-1.”
Large black and white trailer used for emergency management

Regional Exercise to Test Interoperability Communications Among First Responders in East Texas

By East Texas Council of Governments • 30 Apr, 2024
Texas first responders are gearing up for a communication training that will address communications interoperability during emergencies. Coordinated by the East Texas Council of Governments and the Texas Department of Public Safety – Texas Division of Emergency Management, this workshop marks a collaborative effort to bolster emergency communication systems and emphasize the importance of seamless communications in crisis situations. Over three days, from May 17th to May 19th, participants from various sectors will engage in radio communication tests, workshops on technological advancements, and discussion on the future of emergency communications. The exercise will kick off at the Tyler Junior College West Campus before transitioning to operational platforms for real-world testing. Interested participants are encouraged to register for the event at www.preparingtexas.org and search for “Regional Communications” in the main search bar to join the collective effort to enhance public safety communication across Texas and the East Texas region.
female dispatcher looking at 911 address map

ETCOG Adds Cherokee County to 911 Addressing Program

By East Texas Council of Governments • 03 Jan, 2024
The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) has extended its 9-1-1 addressing program to Cherokee County, enhancing emergency response capabilities for the region.
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