The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has taken steps to improve the ability of 9-1-1 emergency call centers to locate callers using wireless phones.
According to the Commission, nearly two-thirds of emergency calls received by 9-1-1 call centers originate from mobile handheld devices. But, the Commission’s data also indicates that up to 40% of such emergency calls fail to provide accurate caller location information through the Enhanced 9-1-1 (E9-1-1) service.
Under a Second Report and Order issued in September 2010 by the Commission, wireless carriers will now be required to meet the Commission’s wireless location accuracy requirements in more numerous and geographically smaller areas. In addition, wireless carriers will also be required to provide reliability data on each 9-1-1 call they process, allowing 9-1-1 call centers and emergency responders to better estimate the location accuracy of each call.
Read the Commission’s Second Report and Order in connection with improved wireless 911 services.
