Wireless Industry Report Says Dispatchable Location Technology Needs More Work

Tests by three major wireless carriers of dispatchable location technology show it can work but isn’t ready for prime time, CTIA told the FCC, posted Monday in docket 07-114. The association said 30,090 test calls were placed on the wireless networks of the three carriers participating in the simulation: AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile. “These results reflect the capabilities of an emerging technology, rather than the capabilities of a complete, ready-to-deploy system,” the report said. “This campaign demonstrated the fundamental ability of Dispatchable Location technology to deliver accurate civic addresses. It also identified the current limitations of this technology at this early stage.” In tests, 82.6 percent of valid calls resulted in delivery of an address for the caller and 74 percent the correct address. CTIA and representatives of the carriers met with Public Safety Bureau staff last week to discuss results. “The wireless industry remains committed to enhancing indoor 9-1-1 location accuracy through innovative solutions,” CTIA said.