OMAHA- The state is transitioning to a Next Generation 911 system, which will allow Nebraskans to have the option to send text messages, photos and videos to emergency dispatchers. The system will also improve location services by using geospatial data rather than a person's distance from the nearest cell tower. The State Public Service Commission allocated $8 million for a contract with Lumen to provide these services.

The conversation around these new emergency services started in Nebraska after it took responders 40 minutes to find the location of what turned into a double homicide and 12-hour standoff in Douglas County.

Officials do not recommend using this option unless the person has an impairment or is in a situation where they cannot speak. Parts of the Panhandle could see this service being incorporated by the end of 2021.

Worries have been voiced about the issues Lumen has had with outages, but the contract includes language holding the company accountable for those outages which only equate to 5 minutes of downtime a year.

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