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VoIP 911 (Canada)

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phones present a challenge for emergency services because callers may not be tied to a fixed address. That’s where Northern911 comes in.

As a CRTC-mandated intermediary 9-1-1 provider, we specialize in nomadic VoIP services, ensuring that when subscribers dial 9-1-1, their call and location data reach the correct Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for police, fire, or ambulance response.

Our APCO-certified 9-1-1 Telecommunicators follow standardized protocols that meet Canadian regulatory requirements for VoIP emergency services. Every call is handled with accuracy and urgency, with 95% answered in under 20 seconds in alignment with NENA service benchmarks.

Northern911 integrates directly into carrier networks to manage subscriber address information:

  • Real-time location is delivered in the SIP header of the call (PIDF-LO format).
  • Batch address updates can be uploaded into our secure database via SOAP/API integration.
  • White-labeled web portals allow subscribers to update their registered address at any time, ensuring accuracy for nomadic users.

This includes support for Microsoft Teams emergency calling, giving carriers and enterprises a trusted partner to manage compliance and routing for their nomadic users.

With more than 20 years of 9-1-1 experience, direct connections to PSAPs across Canada, and infrastructure built to 9-1-1 standards with redundancy and continuous operations planning, Northern911 is the trusted partner for Canadian carriers delivering reliable nomadic VoIP 9-1-1 services.

How It Works: Nomadic VoIP 9-1-1 in Canada

1

Caller Dials 9-1-1

A nomadic VoIP subscriber, including MS Teams users, places an emergency call.
2

Location & Emergency Identified

Subscriber location is pulled in real-time from the SIP header (PIDF-LO) or retrieved from our secure database. The Telecommunicator confirms the location, identifies the emergency, and gathers key details.
3

Northern911 Answers

The call is routed to Northern911, a CRTC-designated intermediary 9-1-1 provider, where an APCO-certified 9-1-1 Telecommunicator answers immediately.
4

Call Routed to Correct PSAP

The call and critical information are transferred to the appropriate police, fire, or ambulance dispatch center, ensuring local responders can act without delay.

Regulatory Compliance

Northern911 operates as a CRTC-designated intermediary 9-1-1 provider in Canada. Our VoIP 9-1-1 services are fully compliant with:

  • CRTC Telecom Decision 2005-21 – Requirements for nomadic VoIP 9-1-1 service delivery.
  • CRTC Telecom Regulatory Policy 2017-182 – Emergency services obligations for wireless and VoIP service providers.
  • CRTC Telecom Decision 2007-44 – Rules for 9-1-1 call routing and customer notification.

 Learn more: CRTC 9-1-1 Emergency Services Information

Partner with Northern911

From local governments and emergency communication centers to service providers and network operators, Northern911 delivers the reliability, scale, and compassion your communities deserve.

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