TRS Changes Advance VoIP E911 Agenda

Geospatial Technology Enables Automatic Location Identification, But Obstacles Remain

PSAPs seem to be “looking for a leader, someone to take the initiative,” Wallace said. In that case, it would behoove carriers – such as Dash – to talk to states and emergency call centers about the advantages of IP that accommodate services such as geospatial E911. And Dash, an IP telephony services wholesaler, is doing just that. The Denver-based company has chosen VIXXI as its E911 network and database provider, a move that gives more voice carriers access to FCC-compliant E911 platforms. On top of that, Dash is becoming a subject matter expert resource for the FCC as E911 regulations change and develop. Dash also works closely with the National Emergency Number Association (NENA), the organization that promotes the development and implementation of E911.

Still, efforts to convince some PSAPs to adopt IP vary. “Reception is mixed, depending on parts of the country,” said Kevin Breault, vice president of sales and business development for Dash. “Different states have different oversight so there’s a healthy mix as a result.”

Some emergency call centers, he said, are more open to installing IP while others are too afraid of cost and change, fears that seem more prevalent among rural PSAPs. “The larger ones with bigger budgets have more research” and, therefore, a better understanding of IP, Breault said. But for those who do sign on for upgrades, the results are obvious. Take, for example, consolidation.

“Instead of having five PSAPs in one area, they can have just one,” Breault explained. That saves overhead costs and reduces communications expenses.

There’s another big bonus, too. As part of the new 10-digit dialing requirements, the FCC has said Internet-based TRS callers get priority over all non-emergency calls. For bustling call centers such as those in Los Angeles County, this is a big deal. Breault said some VoIP callers have been placed on hold because of call volume in LA County PSAPs. But thanks to the geospatial technology from the VIXXI partnership, those calls now route immediately to the appropriate emergency services center.

Technologies that support automatic location identification bring to life efforts to outfit VoIP with the same 911 capabilities cellular and wireline users experience – reliability, no matter the device.

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