The Definitive Wireless E-911 Reference Guide 2005

This publication has been discontinued on July 19, 2011.

Introduction

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
  • 1. Phase I
  • 2. Phase II
• 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

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