An increase in the monthly surcharge for phones is expected to fortify efforts for 911 call centers across Pennsylvania. The surcharge increased 30 cents from $1.65 to $1.95 following the recent finalization of the state’s fiscal code, and it’s expected to bring $47.7 million in per year.
Since 2015, the surcharge went towards supporting the planning, coordinating, testing and implementation of the Next Generation 911 service at all call centers across Pennsylvania, such as Text-to-911 and improved caller location data. With the increase in funding, state officials plan on upgrading behind-the-scenes technology and regionalizing individual county call centers.
The surcharge runs until January 31, 2026, while the fiscal code extends the 911 program through the same date in 2029.
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