Two wireless enhanced 911 services vendors last week announced their systems were live in time for the Federal Communications Commission’s Phase I deadline, which calls for carriers to be able to transmit a call-back number and the location of the cell site receiving the call to emergency dispatchers.
Boulder, Colo.-based SignalSoft Corp.’s Wireless 9-1-1 software was live in the Portland market under an agreement with AT&T Wireless Services Inc. The company said it expects its software to go live in the Denver market soon under a separate agreement with U S West Communications Inc.
Xypoint Corp.’s intelligent wireless network system was live in Fort Wayne, Ind., under a contract with Centennial Cellular Corp. Xypoint said its system uses ISUP Lens technology that does not require new hardware for public safety answering points or wireless carriers.
Xypoint has agreements with six carriers to provide Phase I wireless E911 service, including GTE Wireless, United States Cellular Corp. and U S West New Vector Group.
In related news, SCC Communications Corp., also located in Boulder, Colo., signed an agreement to provide E911 services to all of Vanguard Cellular Systems Inc.’s markets. SCC’s 9-1-1Connect service has been used in both Phase I and Phase II service trials and can be integrated into almost any wireless network. The service also is compatible with public safety agencies’ existing 9-1-1 infrastructure, said the company. SCC will use SignalSoft Corp.’s intelligent-network based software in Vanguard’s markets.
The FCC’s April 1st Phase I deadline passed with very few markets actually live with wireless E911 services. The FCC mandate outlines two conditions that must be met in order for wireless carriers to be compelled to provide an E911 service. First, the carrier must receive a request for the service from a PSAP that is capable of receiving and using the service, and second, a carrier cost-recovery method must be in place.
