When most of us dial 911, we rarely think about what happens after the call. We simply trust someone will answer, understand our emergency, and send help as quickly as possible.
Behind every 911 call is a team of highly trained professionals supported by communications technology that must perform when it matters most.
At AT&T, we understand the responsibility that comes with building and operating networks people rely on every day. We have been connecting Georgia communities for nearly 150 years, providing the connectivity that helps Georgians thrive.
Georgians understand that strong infrastructure is the foundation of strong communities. Our roads, ports and communications
networks support economic growth and position our state for continued long-term success.
At AT&T, we are proud to play a role in supporting that success. From 2021 through 2025, we invested more than $18.2 billion in our network infrastructure in Georgia. Those investments are expanding access to next-generation technologies, delivering the modern connectivity that families, businesses and first responders rely on every day.
Our commitment to first responders is reflected through our work to build, operate and maintain FirstNet, the only nationwide wireless communications platform built with and for America’s first responders. FirstNet supports first responders every day and in times of emergency.
Working closely with the public safety community has given us a firsthand view of how essential reliable communications are for effective emergency response. It has also reinforced the importance of ensuring our emergency communications systems keep pace with the way people communicate today.
Much of the nation’s legacy 911 infrastructure was designed in the late 1960s for landline telephones and voice calls. Georgia has changed dramatically since then, and so have the communications needs of Georgians. Today, more than 80% of 911 calls originate from wireless devices, and people increasingly communicate through text messages and video calls.
Our 911 systems must continue to evolve with changing consumer behaviors.
Next Generation 911, commonly known as NG911, is a modern emergency communications system that helps 911 centers receive, route, and respond to emergency needs more effectively. It also supports voice calls, text messages, video, and enhanced location data.
These capabilities reflect the way Georgians communicate today and can make a meaningful difference for someone experiencing an emergency.
A person who cannot safely speak may be able to send a text.
More precise location information may help first responders find someone faster.
Photos or video could provide emergency professionals with greater awareness of what is happening before they arrive at the scene rather than after, saving minutes when minutes matter most.
NG911 strengthens the reliability and resiliency of Georgia’s broader emergency communications system. If a 911 center is affected by severe weather, a network disruption or another emergency, calls can be almost immediately rerouted to another center. Agencies can share information more effectively across jurisdictions, helping local, regional and state partners coordinate when an incident requires a broader response.
Those benefits extend to every corner of Georgia.
On November 3, Georgians will consider Amendment 3 in the constitutional amendments section of the ballot. Amendment 3 authorizes the General Assembly to dedicate existing revenues to a Next Generation 911 Fund, which would be used exclusively to modernize, maintain and operate emergency 911 systems statewide.
Importantly, this initiative does not create a new fee or increase the current 911 fee. Instead, it directs existing 911 revenue into the proposed statewide fund, providing a long-term structure to support Georgia’s transition to Next Generation 911 and the continued operation of the state’s 911 system.
Georgia policymakers have already taken a critical step, passing legislation in 2025 that established a framework for statewide NG911 implementation. The proposed constitutional amendment would complement that work.
And now, on the November ballot, Georgia’s voters have the opportunity through the constitutional amendment to create a dedicated funding structure using current resources and aligning with the state’s modernization efforts.
Georgia continues to grow, and the way we communicate continues to change. Preparing for the future means investing thoughtfully in modern infrastructure that helps keep Georgians connected and safe.
At AT&T, we are proud to connect Georgia and remain committed to investing in the connectivity our communities and first responders rely on today and into the future.
− Riley Blount serves as president of AT&T Georgia.
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Amendment 3 would support statewide Next Generation 911 | Guest column
