Reconfiguring ALI Called Key to PSAPs Using Z-Axis Data

Call centers struggle to move to next-generation 911 because of longstanding funding and other issues, but the FCC hopes many reconfigure their systems to take vertical location information on wireless calls. On June 3, the agency reached agreements with AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon to start transmitting the data -- where possible (see 2106030086).

The key to public safety answering points using z-axis data quickly is reconfiguring existing automatic location identification (ALI) systems, experts said in recent interviews. Those location systems automatically relay callers' addresses when they call 911, whether from a mobile phone or a landline. FCC officials said they took PSAP readiness into consideration in drafting the consent decrees with the carriers and see ALI changes as the driver.

“Nearly every 911 system is capable of receiving vertical location information; the question is whether a PSAP is configured to display vertical location info to the telecommunicator,” said Dan Henry, National Emergency Number Association regulatory counsel. The most “common hurdle” involves ALI configurations, he said.

“Carriers are delivering z-axis information all the way up to the ALI database,” said Western Fire Chiefs CEO Jeff Johnson. “The PSAP should have access to the z-axis by asking their ALI provider to share it,” he said: “Once the PSAP has it, they have a host of ways to share it afield.” Call centers being able “to process accurate vertical 911 location information will save firefighters crucial time,” emailed International Association of Fire Chiefs acting President Kenneth Stuebing.

The consent decrees with the three major carriers require they start delivering within seven days available vertical location data at a confidence level of 90% to the same ALI databases to which they deliver horizontal information. Compliance certifications are due June 2, a year later than the original deadline. Commissioners Brendan Carr and Nathan Simington criticized FCC leadership for agreeing to the delay without their input.

Carrier officials said their expectation is some PSAPs will start using the new data once it's available, with use growing in coming months. Spokespersons for the three major carriers declined comment.

“NPSTC appreciates the actions of the FCC to set out benchmarks that must be met by the carriers and for them to interact with public safety in its efforts to finally comply with the z-axis requirement,” emailed National Public Safety Telecommunications Council Executive Director Marilyn Ward. “NPSTC views location accuracy to be extremely important to first responders and the public they serve and believes that the readiness of some PSAPs to accept and use the information while important should not have been key as to whether the carriers kept their commitments,” she said: “Funding, staffing, training, and operational requirements will be a challenge as Communications Centers move into this new technology.”