DHS Science and Technology Directorate Advances Emergency Communications with Next Generation 911, 5G, and Future 6G Initiatives

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T) is spearheading innovation in emergency and first responder communications. Through initiatives like Next Generation 911, advanced 5G deployment, and early engagement in 6G standards, DHS S&T is enhancing interoperability, resilience, and data-driven capabilities across the nation’s public safety ecosystem.

Washington, D.C. — The Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T) is actively advancing technologies to strengthen emergency response and first responder communications. With several ongoing projects, the directorate aims to modernize infrastructure, enhance interoperability, and harness next-generation connectivity to support public safety operations nationwide.

Central to DHS S&T’s efforts is the Next Generation 911 (NG911) initiative, which will transition legacy analog 911 systems to a fully digital, internet-protocol-based network. NG911 will allow call centers to receive voice, video, text, and image data, delivering faster, more resilient emergency response. Recognizing the potential interoperability challenges of this transition, DHS S&T has developed a first-of-its-kind laboratory enabling vendors to test NG911 technologies for compatibility.

“What we don’t want to do is have an interoperability chasm upon deployment,” said Sridhar Kowdley, Technology Manager for the Communications and Networking Technology Center at DHS S&T. “We want to solve those issues during the research, development, and implementation stages.” The lab provides an open-source environment for vendors to conduct tests and gather data, laying the foundation for a future certification program. Early demonstrations, including 911 video calls, have shown promising results.

In addition to NG911, DHS S&T is exploring the capabilities of fifth-generation wireless networks (5G) to support first responders. “Primarily we’re using 5G just to push more data, but there are unique capabilities within 5G that enable artificial intelligence, machine learning, low-latency operations, and Internet of Things integration,” Kowdley explained. DHS S&T is evaluating cost-effective 5G applications across the department’s mission areas, including remote border regions, ports of entry, and major airports.

Looking ahead, the directorate is also collaborating with other federal agencies to influence emerging sixth-generation (6G) networking standards. “6G is primarily being developed for consumer markets, but we need to ensure it meets homeland security and defense requirements,” Kowdley said. This collaboration seeks to proactively shape standards that will support advanced public safety and national security applications.

Through these initiatives, DHS S&T demonstrates its commitment to equipping first responders with cutting-edge technologies, ensuring interoperability, and preparing the nation for a connected, resilient future in emergency communications.