A trapped driver sending a text for help. A heart attack where medical details must
reach dispatchers without delay. An emergency call that must reach 9-1-1 immediately. In moments like these, reliable modern technology is essential.

Every second matters.

That’s why Illinois’ recent completion of its statewide upgrade to Next Generation 9-1-1 is such a meaningful step forward for public safety.

During this 2026 National Police Week, we are highlighting that Illinois just marked a major milestone in emergency communications. The Illinois State Police recently announced that all 169 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs)—all 9-1-1 call centers in the state—now have been upgraded to Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1).

That’s a meaningful step forward for public safety across Illinois, and AT&T is proud to be one of the providers supporting Next Generation 9-1-1 in the state, helping deliver the modern infrastructure 9-1-1 call centers need today and into the future.

In an emergency, getting help quickly depends on the technology that connects people in crisis to the 9-1-1 professionals trained to respond. But the way we communicate has changed dramatically since 9-1-1 systems first took shape decades ago, and emergency networks must evolve, too.

That’s why NG9-1-1—modern 9-1-1 service built for today’s digital world—is so important.
NG9-1-1 is upgraded telecommunications infrastructure that uses advanced software and internet-based networks to help strengthen emergency response. Unlike traditional 9-1-1 systems that are largely voice-only with older network capacity, NG9-1-1 is designed to carry both voice and data more efficiently, reliably, and securely.

At AT&T, the heart of NG9-1-1 is an Emergency Services IP Network (also known as
ESInet), which enables emergency communications to be routed intelligently to the right call center, even if disruptions occur. That rerouting capability can save lives. And it also lays the foundation for what comes next—supporting next generation services that can help Public Safety Answering Points integrate “internet-powered” communications
people increasingly rely on, such as text, photos, and video.

AT&T is also supporting public safety through FirstNet®, Built with AT&T—the only nationwide high-speed, wireless communications network built with and for first responders and those who support them.

There is no major emergency event in America where FirstNet doesn’t play a central role supporting public safety’s response efforts.

• FirstNet offers a set of specialized, innovative tools, technologies and features specifically designed for public safety based on their direct feedback and needs.
• And FirstNet is the only nationwide platform that offers public safety always-on priority and, for first responders, preemption capabilities, on Band 14 and all AT&T commercial spectrum bands. Around the clock.

The urgency is clear: today’s world runs on streaming, texting, and data-rich applications. Tomorrow’s world will bring even more connected tools and devices. Public safety communications can’t afford to be stuck on technology built for a different era.

Here in Illinois, policymakers and the telecommunications industry worked together to
upgrade all Public Safety Answering Points to NG9-1-1. As Illinois Statewide 9-1-1
Administrator Alicia Atkinson noted, this achievement reflects strong coordination and partnership across local, regional, and statewide teams—and while it’s worth celebrating, the work continues.

We share that commitment. We’re dedicated to providing Illinois with reliable, modern
emergency communications service, and we’re honored to support the state’s public
safety professionals and the communities they protect.

Illinois State Police News Release