AT&T* is the first provider to use location-based routing to send cellular 9-1-1 calls to the proper 9-1-1 call centers throughout the country. AT&T can rapidly and reliably determine where a wireless 9-1-1 call is originating from utilizing device GPS and hybrid information to route the call to the appropriate 9-1-1 call center, also known as public safety answering point or PSAP, with this new "Locate Before Route" tool from Intrado.
A device can be identified and routed within 50 meters of its location using location-based routing. Prior to this introduction, wireless 9-1-1 calls were routed based on cell tower position, which can cover a 10-mile radius. This can result in delays in emergency response, particularly when a call is placed inside PSAP border regions where state, county, or municipal borders overlap.
Kurt Mills, Executive Director, Snohomish County 911 said that "We share a busy border with King County and are thrilled with the significant decrease in 9-1-1 transfers. We know that 9-1-1 transfers delay emergency response and the winner here is our community. We very much appreciate the public-private partnership between our agency, AT&T and Intrado that allowed us to be the first in the nation to implement this new routing technology."
Chris Sambar, EVP, AT&T Network said that "Providing our customers with reliable connectivity and high-quality service on America's largest wireless network is what we strive for everyday at AT&T. Launching this industry-leading public safety solution allows us to ultimately help improve the connections and efficiency for our wireless customers by offering more accurate service when making emergency calls."
Location-based routing is a significant accomplishment for public safety. I'm proud of our collaboration with AT&T and look forward to continued innovation with them as we combine our technologies for the benefit of public safety – doing the right thing for the right reasons."
Jeff Robertson, President, Intrado Life & Safety
Presently, 68% of Americans do not have a landline at home. Nearly 50 years ago, when AT&T collaborated with the FCC to build the first 9-1-1 systems, communication technology was vastly different, with landline phones dominating the market. And today, mobile devices account for 80% of 9-1-1 calls. With the enormous rise of wireless connections and mobile 9-1-1 calls, AT&T is adopting this public safety network feature to ensure that when an emergency occurs, the public has the same quick, accurate, and reliable connection to PSAPs whether dialing from a mobile device or a landline phone.
AT&T is leading the road to safer communities by providing the most accurate solution to eliminate wireless 9-1-1 call transfers beyond what the FCC expects carriers to do now. This is particularly critical in an emergency situation when lives are at stake.