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911 Default Routing

Protecting every call — even when the network fails

When a 9-1-1 call cannot reach its intended Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) — due to an outage, bad address data, jurisdictional error, overflow, or an unserved 9-1-1 area — it must still be answered.

Both the FCC (U.S.) and the CRTC (Canada) require carriers and ESInet providers to maintain reliable default routing to protect public safety.

Northern911 provides that safety net across North America.

As a trusted default-route partner for wireless carriers, VoIP providers, and ESInet/NGCS providers, Northern911 ensures that no emergency call is ever lost.

Our APCO-certified 9-1-1 Telecommunicators answer, confirm the caller’s location and emergency type, and connect them to the correct local police, fire, or ambulance agency — keeping response times low and public trust high.

When Default Routing Activates

Default routing automatically engages when a 9-1-1 call cannot be delivered to its intended PSAP due to:

  • Network or ESInet outages affecting the PSAP or core routing functions.
  • Bad or missing address data preventing accurate geolocation.
  • Jurisdictional discrepancies when caller location crosses boundaries.
  • Overflow events when PSAP queues reach capacity.
  • Unserved 9-1-1 areas where no PSAP is yet designated.

In these scenarios, Northern911 acts as the designated safety net, answering the call, verifying the caller’s location, and transferring it to the appropriate emergency agency as quickly as possible.

Why Carriers and ESInet Providers Choose Northern911

Regulatory Compliance
Fully aligned with FCC and CRTC mandates for 9-1-1 default routing.
ESInet and NGCS Resiliency
Integrates with NG Core Services components, including ESRP, ECRF, and PRR frameworks, to ensure seamless failover routing.
Coverage for Unserved Areas
Handles 9-1-1 calls from wireless and VoIP subscribers in regions without a designated PSAP.
No Call Left Behind
Every emergency call is answered, documented, and routed to the correct agency.
Outage & Overflow Protection
Reliable backup for PSAPs and ESInets experiencing degradation or overload.
Bad Address / Jurisdictional Error Handling
Calls corrected and connected to the proper local responders.
APCO-Certified Telecommunicators
Professional, bilingual call takers trained for accuracy, empathy, and speed.
North American Scale
Serving carriers, ESInet providers, and NGCS vendors across the U.S. and Canada.
Fast Response
95% of calls answered in under 20 seconds (NENA benchmark).

Resilient. Compliant. Proven.

Partner with Northern911 to enhance your network’s reliability
and protect every 9-1-1 call.