Wisconsin Office of Emergency Communications

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NextGeneration 9-1-1 in Wisconsin

NextGen9-1-1 stands for NextGeneration 9-1-1 (abbreviated NG9-1-1 or NG911). NG9-1-1 refers to the ability to transmit, receive, process, transfer, dispatch, use, and store both voice and data (in the form of pictures, videos, text messages, and incident information) associated with a 9-1-1 call or request for emergency assistance.

The NG9-1-1 system that is being implemented in Wisconsin will contain the same functions of the current analog system while providing for greater accessibility, interoperability, and a more efficient use of 9-1-1 resources. NG9-1-1 will enable the transfer of 9-1-1 calls between geographically dispersed Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs), increase sharing of data and resources to improve emergency response, and improve coordination and partnerships within the 9-1-1 community.

The Department of Military Affairs’ Office of Emergency Communications (OEC) is responsible for contracting for the creation, operation, maintenance, and oversight of a statewide ESInet that interconnects all public safety answering points in the state to begin the implementation of NG9-1-1.

For up-to-date information on the status of the NG9-1-1 transition in Wisconsin, please visit the statewide NG9-1-1 Status Map!

NG911 Benefits

  • Improved response times and location data 
  • Data sharing and call transfer interoperability between PSAPs 
  • Improved redundancy and reliability 
  • Greater visibility within emergency incidents: texts to and from citizens, and future technologies such as pictures and videos from citizens 

NG911 Challenges

  • Adequate funding mechanism for system maintenance particularly for smaller PSAPs 
  • Increased cost during initial implementation
  • Up to date and relevant 9-1-1 legislation
  • Training and Standards
  • Statewide governance, coordination, and planning
  • Increased cyber security threats

Funding Opportunities

NG9-1-1 grant programs are authorized under Wis. Stats. § 256.35(3s)

  • Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier Grant Program

    The Office of Emergency Communications is pleased to announce that the application period has opened for eligible Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers to apply for grants under the Fiscal Year 2026 and Fiscal Year 2027 Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier grant program. The Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs has been allocated $6 million for this fiscal year’s grant program and an additional $6 million for Fiscal Year 2027.

    Applications for the Fiscal Year 2026 grant opportunity are due by May 13, 2026. Applications for the Fiscal Year 2027 grant opportunity are due by April 30, 2027. Applications will be reviewed on a first come, first serve basis. For more information on how to apply, eligibility and specific allowable expenses, please see the Grant Announcement.

    Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier Grant Program

  • Fiscal Year 2026 GIS Grant Program

    The Office of Emergency Communications is pleased to announce that the application period has opened for eligible county land information offices to apply for grants under the competitive State Fiscal Year 2026 GIS grant program. The Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs has been allocated $6 million for this year’s GIS grant program. Applications for this grant opportunity are due by February 26, 2026. Additional details on how to apply, eligibility and specific allowable expenses are included in the Grant Announcement.

    FY26 NG9-1-1 GIS Grant Announcement

NG911 Grant Program Resources

Grant recipients are identified on the NG911 status map under their respective grant tabs.

State/National Initiatives and Resources

Wisconsin Land Information Association NG9-1-1 Task Force

Wisconsin Public Safety Communications (WIPSCOM)

National 911 Program

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

National Emergency Number Association (NENA)

Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO)

Documents