NENA Releases New Version of the i3 Standard for Next Generation 9-1-1
National Emergency Number Association • July 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.
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.”
National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, observed April 12–18, 2026 , honors the dedication, service, and sacrifice of the public safety telecommunicators who answer the call when emergencies happen. Held each year during the second week of April, the observance recognizes the professionals who serve as the critical first point of contact in emergency situations. At ETCOG, we are proud to recognize the telecommunicators who serve communities across our region. Their work requires professionalism, compassion, quick thinking, and a steadfast commitment to public safety. In moments of crisis, they provide calm, skilled support and help connect people to the emergency services they need. In 2025 , telecommunicators in ETCOG’s service area answered more than 174,000 9-1-1 calls and more than 20,000 9-1-1 texts . Behind each of those numbers is a person in need of help and a trained telecommunicator ready to respond. ETCOG supports the region’s dispatch offices through training, equipment upgrades, and management of the regional 9-1-1 system. These efforts help ensure telecommunicators have the tools, technology, and resources needed to serve the public effectively and efficiently. During National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, we extend our sincere appreciation to the men and women who help keep our communities safe every day. Their work is essential, and their service makes a meaningful difference throughout East Texas.
Mandatory Workshops Scheduled for Applicants
