Lumen recruits Kirkland and Branson for Colorado's 9 1 1 transition planning

In a pivotal meeting held on May 31, 2025, the Colorado ESInet User Group gathered to discuss the future of 9-1-1 services in the state, focusing on the transition to Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) systems. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as representatives from various Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) and telecommunications providers came together to navigate the complexities of this significant upgrade.

At the heart of the discussions was the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) order mandating that, within six months of a valid request from a 9-1-1 authority, the originating service provider (OSP) must initiate the transition to NG9-1-1. Colorado's unique landscape, with over 90 PSAPs each functioning as independent authorities, posed challenges in coordinating this transition. To streamline the process, Lumen, a key telecommunications provider, appointed Jennifer Kirkland and Daryl Branson as representatives to consolidate information and assess the readiness of each PSAP across the state.

Joe Benkert, a participant in the meeting, raised critical questions regarding the FCC's order. He emphasized that a PSAP cannot request the delivery of traffic until there is a commitment from a commercial service provider to facilitate the necessary technology. This commitment is essential for transitioning from traditional telephony to an Internet Protocol (IP)-based system, which is crucial for the effective functioning of NG9-1-1.

Doug Cunningham, a solution architect at Lumen, reassured attendees that the infrastructure for NG9-1-1 in Colorado is already SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) capable, indicating that the state is well on its way to modernizing its emergency response systems. The discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration among PSAPs and service providers to ensure a smooth transition, with a clear focus on enhancing public safety through improved technology.

As the meeting concluded, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose and clarity on the steps needed to advance Colorado's emergency response capabilities. The transition to NG9-1-1 is not just a technical upgrade; it represents a commitment to better serve the community and respond effectively in times of crisis. The road ahead may be complex, but the collective efforts of Colorado's PSAPs and telecommunications providers signal a promising future for emergency services in the state.