|
News
Issue #2002 - 21
(June 2002)
(Updated June 5, 2002)
INFRASTRUCTURE, PRODUCTS & SERVICES
Verizon Wireless On Track for E911
Phase II Service
While other U.S. wireless
carriers are struggling to meet FCC Phase II E911 location
technology requirements or to ward-off multi-million fines, Verizon
Wireless is congratulating itself on having met the FCC’s
requirements by deploying network upgrades and E911-enabled phones.
The company said it has installed the necessary software and
equipment to support E911 Phase II service in all markets using
equipment from Lucent Technologies, which cover 155 million
Americans.
The New Jersey-based operator is offering customers a choice of
two wireless phones with GPS capabilities: the SCH-N300 from Samsung
and the 9155-GPX from Audiovox Communication Corporation, which also
supports Verizon Wireless’ high-speed data network — the Express
Network.
In areas where the Verizon Wireless network, local 911 call
center systems, and local phone company networks have been upgraded
for E911 Phase II service, these E911-capable phones can help
automatically identify and provide the calling location and wireless
phone number to the call center. However, to date very few Public
Service Answering Points (PSAPs), which respond to 911 calls and
dispatch emergency services, and Local Exchange Carriers (LECs) have
upgraded their equipment.
Thus Verizon Wireless is warning most customers who purchase
E911-enabled handsets that they should not expect their local
emergency service organization to receive or interpret location data
at this time.
At present, only customers in York County, Virginia, and the
state of Rhode Island can expect full E911 service.
For more information: http://www.verizon.com
MobileInfo.com’s Comments & Advisory: We
want to congratulate Verizon for implementing E911 location technology
for public safety ahead of other carriers. We have said before that
many carriers have been dragging their feet in this effort. To be
fair, tough, it is not just the carriers who deserve this blame.
Public safety agencies are not ready either. Nonetheless, carriers
must implement E911 before public safety agencies can do their part.
Note: This news release may contain
forward-looking statements. Readers should take appropriate caution in
developing plans utilizing these products, services and technology
architectures. All trademarks used in this summary are
the property of their respective owners.
|
