SOMERSET, Pa. (WTAJ) — A new fiber-optic network connecting the emergency services of seven counties will create what officials are calling “Next Generation 911.”

“It’ll be easier communication. It will be more efficient communication, and that communication’s gonna bring about a greater degree of safety,” Somerset Police Chief Randy Cox said.

Officials from Blair, Bedford, Huntingdon, Somerset, Cambria, Fulton, and Centre counties announced their initiative with Zito Media to build a fiber-optic network connecting their 911 dispatch centers.

“Connecting 9-1-1 centers makes for easier transfers of calls and also collaboratively pulls together all the systems that we use to protect the public,” Joel Landis, EMA director for Somerset County, said.

The network will allow any county using it to share 911 data and technology in a timely manner.

“They’re gonna be able to move things more quickly, respond better, and actually the service level’s gonna go up quite a bit for people without even noticing it,” David Cubbison, EMA director for Bedford County, said.

Officials hope more counties will join the network once it’s up and running.