On September 24, B.C.’s 911 service provider announced that some big changes would be coming to its system.
In fact, it’s going to be a phased migration from one system to another, “marking a significant milestone in British Columbia’s broader transition to a modernized emergency telecommunications system.”
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Here’s what you need to know about the new network.
Next Generation 9-1-1 Network in B.C.
E-Comm 9-1-1, B.C.’s primary emergency communications provider, is migrating over to the Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) network. It will be replacing Canada’s “decades-old analog infrastructure” with a brand-new digital network.
E-Comm explained in a press release,
Over the next two months, E-Comm will transition from the historical 9-1-1 analog system to NG9-1-1. E-Comm provides 9-1-1 services as the first point of contact for 99% of 9-1-1 callers in B.C., and it is within these regions that the transition will take place. This week, communities on Vancouver Island were the first to “go-live” on NG9-1-1 as part of E-Comm’s phased transition project.
Between now and the end of November 2026, staggered migrations to the new network will take place. The process is utilizing phases to “ensure a safe, reliable implementation that prioritizes the continuity of vital 9-1-1 service that British Columbians rely on during emergencies.”
The technology upgrade has been supported by $150 million granted by the Province. This includes $90 million to fund E-Comm’s implementation.
What to Expect
The migration will be mostly invisible to the public. You’ll still be able to dial 9-1-1 as usual, and you’ll be connected with emergency call-takers based on what you require.
Notably, the system will be working to lay the foundation for future enhancements that will “better support public and first responder safety.” These enhancements include real-time-text to 9-1-1, more accurate caller location information, and the ability to share streaming video.
Although, these features will not be part E-Comm’s initial transition in 2026. The timing is reportedly dependent on a national rollout, which is to be determined by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).
The only thing the public will be able to see is the introduction of an automated callback system. The new NG9-1-1 network will detect all calls, “including those disconnected within milliseconds that are not received by E-Comm today.”
This does mean that accidental or pocket dials to 9-1-1 will increase. E-Comm notes that the new callback system will help manage the increased volume by automatically following-up on quick hang up calls.
For more information, you can visit E-Comm’s website here.
