California's 911 Upgrade: A Costly Lesson in Tech Failure

California's attempt to modernize its 911 emergency system has hit a major snag. In 2019, Governor Gavin Newsom promised to upgrade the state's outdated 911 system. He wanted to replace the old analog technology with a new digital network. This was supposed to make emergency communications more reliable and efficient. Fast forward to 2025, and the state has spent $450 million on this project. But now, the plan has been scrapped. The new system didn't work as expected. Officials found out it was flawed when they tested it in a few dispatch centers. So, they decided to start over. The state is now looking at a new design. This one is similar to what other states are using. But this means more money will be spent. Hundreds of millions of dollars more, to be exact. This isn't the first time California has struggled with big tech projects. The state has a history of expensive failures. One notable example is the Financial Information System for California, or FI$Cal. Launched in 2005, it was supposed to manage state finances. But it's way over budget and behind schedule. The common issue seems to be the desire to create something new. Instead of using proven systems, California often tries to reinvent the wheel. This approach has led to costly mistakes. The 911 debacle is a prime example. It shows the risks of not learning from others' successes. Californians are still stuck with an outdated system. This puts lives and property at risk. The state needs to rethink its approach to tech projects. It's time to focus on what works, rather than chasing unproven ideas.