SCC Communications Eliminates Wireless E9-1-1 Obstacles - Brief Article

Wireless Internet, July, 2001

SCC Communications announced turnkey technology that eliminates a major obstacle to the deployment of wireless 9-1-1 support by public safety agencies and local governments -- also called public service answering points (PSAPs).

SCC's Wireless National Automatic Location Identification (ALI) network now enables PSAPs that utilize on-site ALL databases to receive caller location information when wireless 9-1-1 calls are initiated. This caller location information is the critical data necessary for PSAPs to deploy emergency aid to wireless callers dialing 9-1-1 for emergency assistance.

To support wireless carriers operating in their areas, PSAPs utilizing on-site ALL databases are faced with substantial infrastructure upgrades. By connecting into SCC's Wireless National ALI network and making minor enhancements to their systems, PSAPs receive reliable caller location information (call back number x-y coordinates, and location description) dynamically each time a wireless 9-1-1 call is initiated. SCC will work with PSAPs and state agencies to leverage mechanisms for funding of the enhancements and physical connectivity.

Using Non-Call path Associated Signaling (NCAS), the Wireless National ALI network delivers a caller's information and location data over a network that is independent of the voice call path. With the data traveling on a separate network, the SPAC can receive more detailed information and location updates faster.

"Dynamic ALI updates or steering functionality are essential for providing a complete public safety solution that meets the FCC mandates for phase one and phase two," said Dave Berndt, director of wireless/mobile technologies at the Yankee Group. "NCAS solutions present the most robust functional solution for phase-two wireless 9-1-1 with today's PSAP infrastructure constraints. And, SCC's Wireless National ALI network demonstrates the company's continued leadership in the area of wireless 9-1-1 solutions."

ALI is a feature of SCC's 9-1-1 service that displays the identification and location information associated with the telephone number of the phone used to reach 9-1-1. Because 9-1-1 systems have traditionally been deployed on a local basis, local exchange carriers sometimes position the ALI database directly on the PSAP site, and provide a connection to the one service provider for that area (typically small communities or rural service areas). Thus, PSAPs currently, using standalone or local ALI equipment usually have limited ability to accommodate the rapid changes in our nation's telecommunications infrastructure.