Cell Phone Standards for 911

Today's cell phones have different standards to which they must comply when determining accuracy in locating a 9-1-1 caller.

A handset solution involves enhanced GPS capability in the phone itself. Under FCC rules, carriers using handset-based solutions need to locate wireless 9-1-1 callers to the following specifications:
 

• To within 164 feet for 67% of calls
• To within 492 feet for 95% of calls

Of the major wireless carriers, Verizon Wireless, Sprint/Nextel and Alltel have chosen handset solutions.

A network solution involves base stations - towers and antennae - to determine the location of the 9-1-1 call. The FCC requires network-based solutions to locate wireless 911 calls to these specifications:
 

• To within 328 feet for 67% of calls
• To within 984 feet for 95% of calls

Of the major wireless carriers, Cingular and T-Mobile have chosen network solutions.

Technology has been implemented that assists dispatch centers in Shelby County to better locate wireless callers by latitude and longitude coordinates (Wireless Phase II). This will enable emergency personnel to help locate 9-1-1 callers.