IOS 13 Offers Improvements in 911 Location Based Routing and Text-to-911 Location Accuracy
September 2019 iOS 13 offers wireless carriers the option to enable location-based routing (LBR) for modern radio access technologies. By providing a fast HELO estimate during 9-1-1 call set-up, Apple devices can reduce the number of calls for which transfers may be required. If a location estimate cannot be provided quickly, carriers may fall-back to the existing fixed-sector routing mechanism. To achieve routing improvements, carriers should work with individual 9-1-1 authorities or local Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) to acquire and deconflict Geospatial Information System (“GIS”) “shape files” that represent their service-area boundaries. More Information at: https://static.wixstatic.com/ugd/b8d2ce_ac94c7b842d347c8b2f91d51db35a1cd.pdf
In addition, IOS 13 makes available precise, device-based location information through both
the traditional carrier-network path, and through Apple’s own Enhanced Emergency
Data service, when a user texts 9-1-1 in a jurisdiction that accepts text
messages. As iOS 13 rolls-out via software update this Fall, PSAPs should begin
to see dramatically-lower uncertainties for users who text 9-1-1 from an iPhone
or Apple Watch, reducing response times and improving outcomes for users.
Text-enabled PSAPs should contact their carrier, Text Control Center, and texthandling
software representatives to ensure that both the location estimate and
search area guidance (“uncertainty”) provided by HELO will be delivered automatically
to telecommunicators and dispatchers during a Text-to-9-1-1 session.
Location data will also be available to jurisdictions using Apple’s Enhanced
Emergency Data feature via Apple’s partnership with RapidSOS. In some cases,
call-taking, computer-aided dispatching, or text-handling software may require
an update to automatically fetch EED locations for text sessions. More information at: https://static.wixstatic.com/ugd/b8d2ce_241b1adbac564e5ab801a995186d3d20.pdf
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