Boone County Joint Communications Completes Next Generation 911 Network Transition

COLUMBIA, Mo. (September 24, 2026) - Boone County Joint Communications (BCJC) has completed the transition to a new AT&T Emergency Services IP Network (ESInet). As part of the transition, Text-to-911 service has also been restored and is available to the public.

ESInet is a secure, high-availability network that provides the foundation for Next Generation 911 (NextGen911). The transition improves how 911 calls reach BCJC and provides greater redundancy, resiliency, and flexibility than a traditional Enhanced 911 network.

One of the greatest improvements is the addition of multiple paths for delivering 911 calls. BCJC’s new AT&T ESInet configuration includes redundant network connections as well as a wireless tertiary connection through FirstNet. If primary connectivity is disrupted, these additional paths provide alternatives for maintaining 911 services.

The new ESInet also provides increased flexibility when an outage or other disruption impacts the center. Calls can be rerouted to alternate locations or other designated 911 centers.

While no technology can eliminate every potential service disruption, the new ESInet provides increased redundancy and routing capabilities designed to reduce the likelihood that a single network failure will prevent a 911 call from reaching an emergency telecommunicator.

The way to reach emergency services remains the same: call 911 in an emergency. Individuals who are unable to make a voice call may also text 911. For non-emergency public safety needs, individuals should call 311.

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