Abstract
Originally published in 2004 and written by highly acclaimed location technology, applications
and services expert, David H. Williams, this research has been updated by equally acclaimed P.J.
Louis, formerly an executive with 9-1-1 industry leader True Position. This report has been updated
in several areas with a particular emphasis on the business and technical issues, regulations, and
impacts of 9-1-1 for VoIP service.
This report provides key wireless 9-1-1 stakeholders, including state, local, and federal public
safety officers, seasoned wireless executives, technology-savvy business executives, investment
firms, and the educated consumer, a guide to understand the past, present, and future of wireless
9-1-1, also call Enhanced 9-1-1 or more often E 9-1-1. The report is distinguished from others
because it addresses every key dimension of wireless E 9-1-1, from technologies, to regulatory
issues, to business implications, to privacy implications, and much more. It covers these aspects at
both the strategic level and a detailed, tactical level, providing the reader with useable
information to set specific direction for his or her area(s) of responsibility.
While this research will be valuable to many in the wireless industry, this report will be of
particular interest to:
- Suppliers of public safety wireless systems, positioning systems (GPS, A-GPS, E-OTD, TDOA, TOA,
AOA, AFLT), and location-based services (LBS) applications and services
- Companies concerned with network and systems integration between wireless carriers, public
safety answer points (PSAP), and other public safety systems
- Providers of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), GIS map data, and related information for
mobile location services (MLS)
- Mobile network operators and wireless service providers such as resellers, agents, and mobile
virtual network operators (MVNO)
- Companies involved with next generation networks and concerned with the implementation and
operation of E-911 over VoIP networks
- Companies, agencies and government entities concerned with public safety, homeland security, and
law enforcement
- Companies, agencies and government entities outside the United States that want to learn from
the US wireless 9-1-1 experiences. This will be of particular value to European interests in
enhancing wireless 112 emergency calling services
Table of Contents
I. Introduction and Executive Summary
- A. Overall Purpose
- B. Importance of E9-1-1:
- C. Wireless 9-1-1
II. Major Definitions and Distinctions
- A. Wireline 9-1-1
- B. Wireless 9-1-1/Enhanced 9-1-1
- 1. The (Original) FCC E9-1-1 Mandate
- 2. Modifications and Waivers
- 3. The Phases
III. E9-1-1 Infrastructure A. Location Positioning Determination Technologies 1.
Handset-Based Solutions 2. Network-Based Solutions 3. Comparing Handset-Based vs. Network-Based
Location 4. Whatever Happened to E-OTD? a. Issues b. E-OTD vs. TDOA B. Location Data Processing
Technologies 1. Overview 2. Key Components 3. Location Data Processing Architectures a. Overview b.
Wireline Basic 9-1-1 c. Wireline Enhanced 9-1-1 d. Wireless Phase 0 e. Wireless Phase I f. Wireless
Phase II g. On-Site PSAP Technologies i. Equipment Overview ii. Wireless Technology Upgrade
Requirements iii. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Software
IV. What Are The Implementation Issues for PSAPs?
- A. The Implementation Steps
- B. Public Perception/Education/Media
- C. Funding and Cost Recovery
- D. Complexity-Adding Issues
- 1. Wireless Number Portability
- 2. Uninitialized Phones
- 3. Donated Telephone Programs
- 4. Accidental Dialing
- E. Interoperability
- 1. Overview
- 2. Homeland Security
- F. Voice Over IP and 9-1-1
- 1. Overview
- 2. Workarounds
- 3. Potential Long-Term Solutions
- G. Accuracy and Accuracy Testing Issues
- 1. Accuracy Mandate
- 2. Urban vs. Suburban vs. Rural
- 3. How Testing Is Done
V. What Are The Implementation Issues for Carriers?
- A. Carrier E9-1-1 (and LBS) Organizations
- B. Carrier E9-1-1 Processes
- C. Local Exchange Carrier-Related Issues
- D. Funding and Cost Recovery
- E. Individual Carrier Waivers, Status and Issues
- 1. AT&T Wireless
- 2. Cingular
- 3. AT&T Wireless/Cingular E9-1-1 Integration Issues
- 4. Nextel
- 5. Sprint PCS
- 6. T-Mobile
- 7. Verizon Wireless
- 8. Regional/Rural Carriers
VI. What are The Implementation Issues for Vendors and Their Investors
- A. E9-1-1 Vendor Value Chain
- B. Key Vendors
- 1. Intrado
- 2. TCS
- 3. TruePosition
- 4. Andrew Corporation (Grayson)
- 5. Global Locate
- 6. Polaris Wireless
- 7. GIS Vendors
VII. Key Non-Technical Issues and Implications
- A. Federal Regulation
- 1. Government Coordination and Recent Legislation
- a. HR 2898
- b. Senate 1250
- 2. Tradeoffs and Recommendations
- B. Privacy Issues and Potential Resolutions
- 1. Overview
- 2. Conceptual Alternatives
- 3. Practical Frameworks
VIII. A State E9-1-1 Profile (Texas)
- A. PSAP Overview
- B. Regulatory Oversight
- C. Funding
- D. Phase I and II Implementation Status
- E. State-Specific Obstacles
IX. How Can E9-1-1 Technology Be Commercialized
- A. Historical Issues and Obstacles
- B. Attractive Applications
- 1. Critical Success Factors
- 2. Business Case Development
- 3. High Potential Applications
X. The Future: The Impact of E9-1-1 on:
- A. U.S. Public Policy
- B. Emerging Businesses
- C. Business Processes
- D. Investment Choices
- E. Consumer Rights and Privacy
