The Surprising Reason 911 Can't Find You, But Your Apps Can

The Surprising Reason 911 Can't Find You, But Your Apps Can

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. The Challenge of Locating 9-1-1 Callers 2.1 Triangulating Data and GPS Chips 2.2 Interference and Indoor Usage 2.3 Vertical Location Accuracy
3. FCC Mandates for Improved Accuracy 3.1 Horizontal Location Accuracy 3.2 RapidSOS Software Solution
4. RapidSOS and its Functionality 4.1 Partnerships and Integration 4.2 Automatic Location Updates 4.3 Enhanced Accuracy with RapidSOS
5. Other Potential Solutions 5.1 Google's Android Emergency Location Services 5.2 Motorola's Solutions Call Works 5.3 Polaris Wireless and Vertical Location
6. The Role of Technology Companies in Solving the Issue
7. Challenges in Locating Callers in Vertical Spaces 7.1 The Need for Vertical Location Information 7.2 Polaris Wireless' Altitude-based Solution
8. Progress and Future Expectations 8.1 FCC Requirements for Vertical Location 8.2 Deployment of Polaris Wireless
9. Factors Affecting 9-1-1 Locating Capabilities 9.1 Geographic Variations and Carrier Differences 9.2 Technology Adoption by Call Centers
10. Conclusion

The Challenge of Locating 9-1-1 Callers

The ability to accurately locate callers during emergency situations is essential for efficient and Timely response by 9-1-1 call centers. However, this task is not without its challenges. In this article, we will Delve into the technical complexities that make locating 9-1-1 callers a difficult task, and explore the solutions that are being implemented to overcome these challenges.

Triangulating Data and GPS Chips

In rural areas where cell towers are sparse, 9-1-1 call centers rely on triangulating data among cell towers to estimate the caller's location. This method, along with the use of smartphone GPS chips, can establish the caller's position within a radius of about 120 meters. However, these technologies are most effective when callers are outdoors, and they become less accurate when calls are made from indoor locations. Additionally, issues with altitude tracking further complicate the accurate identification of a caller's floor within a building.

Interference and Indoor Usage

One of the primary reasons for reduced accuracy in locating 9-1-1 callers is the interference caused by indoors and rooftops. The majority of cell phone calls are made indoors where signal quality is diminished due to obstacles like walls and rooftops. This interference hampers the ability of cell carriers and call centers to accurately pinpoint a caller's position. The lack of knowledge regarding the floor from which a call is made is particularly problematic in large cities where buildings have multiple floors.

Vertical Location Accuracy

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has recognized the need for improved location accuracy and has mandated that cell phone carriers improve their horizontal location accuracy to within 50 meters for 80% of 911 calls by 2021. One of the solutions to achieve this goal is the implementation of RapidSOS software. RapidSOS harnesses location information from partners such as Uber, Microsoft, Google, and Apple, to provide more accurate location data to 911 dispatchers.

RapidSOS and its Functionality

RapidSOS software enables automatic location updates by leveraging smartphone sensors and Wi-Fi hotspots. When a call is made to 9-1-1, the software interfaces with Uber, Microsoft, Google, Apple, and other systems to receive real-time location updates. Dispatchers are then able to view the caller's location on two screens: one with RapidSOS data and the other with the existing system. This integration significantly enhances location accuracy, reducing the caller's radius of uncertainty to approximately 36 meters.

Other Potential Solutions

In addition to RapidSOS, other technology companies have proposed potential solutions to improve 9-1-1 locating capabilities. Google's Android Emergency Location Services and Motorola's Solutions Call Works are two such initiatives aimed at enhancing location accuracy during emergency calls. However, these technologies are not comprehensive solutions and are still being developed and tested.

Challenges in Locating Callers in Vertical Spaces

The vertical location of callers within multi-story buildings poses a unique challenge for accurate 9-1-1 locating. Currently, most location services focus on horizontal location accuracy, neglecting vital information about the floor from which a call is made. Polaris Wireless, a technology company, has pioneered a solution that utilizes the barometer sensor in smartphones to estimate altitude and, subsequently, the floor level of a caller.

Progress and Future Expectations

The FCC has set deadlines for cell phone carriers to provide vertical location information in the 25 largest metropolitan areas by 2021 and in the 50 largest areas by 2023. While Polaris Wireless has not yet been deployed in call centers, early tests have shown promising results, with a location accuracy rate of approximately 2.8 meters, 80% of the time. This represents significant progress in improving 9-1-1 accuracy.

Factors Affecting 9-1-1 Locating Capabilities

The speed and accuracy with which 9-1-1 can locate callers depend on various factors. Geographic variations, different cell phone carriers, and the adoption of technologies by call centers all contribute to the effectiveness of locating systems. Residents' location accuracy can still vary Based on these factors, and the speed of locating callers remains reliant on the state of technological advancements of respective regions and call centers.

Conclusion

Accurately locating 9-1-1 callers has long been a challenge, primarily due to technical complexities and limitations. However, with the FCC's mandates and the development of innovative solutions like RapidSOS and Polaris Wireless, significant progress is being made. Enhanced location accuracy can potentially save thousands of lives by enabling faster response times. As technology continues to advance and more call centers adopt improved locating systems, the effectiveness of 9-1-1 services will continue to improve, ensuring better emergency response across the nation.