Verizon Wireless Adds to E-911 Phase II Compliance
allnetdevices.com
By Matthew A. Peretz
Senior Editor
allNetDevices.com
May 24, 2002
Verizon Wireless said Wednesday that it is launching another wireless
phone with an embedded Global Positioning System -- the 9155-GPX
from Audiovox Communication Corporation.
In areas where the Verizon Wireless network, local 911 call center
systems and local phone company networks have been upgraded for
E-911 Phase II service, the 9155-GPX can help automatically identify
and provide the calling location and wireless phone number to the call
center. Another E-911 capable phone, the SCH-N300 from Samsung,
has been available from Verizon Wireless since December, 2001.
Verizon Wireless has installed the necessary software and equipment
to support E-911 Phase II service in all markets using equipment from
Lucent Technologies, which cover 155 million Americans. Lucent
Technologies is one of the companies that supports Verizon Wireless's
E-911 architecture.
The company has reported to the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) that it has achieved aggressive E-911 Phase II
milestones by deploying handset-based technologies and network
upgrades.
The advanced 9155-GPX tri-mode wireless handset also supports Verizon Wireless' national
high-speed data network -- the Express Network-- when used as a modem with a Mobile Office
connectivity kit on laptops and select PDAs.
Verizon Wireless said, however, that most customers who purchase handsets with location
capabilities should not expect their local emergency service organization to receive or interpret
location data at this time. Before Phase II location technology can work for wireless phone users in
the above-mentioned markets, Public Service Answering Points (PSAPs), which respond to 911
calls and dispatch emergency services, and Local Exchange Carriers (LECs) must still upgrade
their equipment. The company noted that while it is expending significant resources to meet
Federal mandates, the public safety community and local phone companies must take action
before nationwide E-911 becomes a reality.
Partial PSAP readiness may have been achieved when PSAPs received Phase I service. As of
April 15, 2002, Verizon Wireless has deployed Phase I service to more than 1,350 PSAPs
throughout the country. But in many cases, additional modifications are needed to receive and use
Phase II service.
Verizon Wireless activated the Phase II Assisted GPS handset solution in locations where PSAPs'
and LECs' equipment have been upgraded: York County, VA on April 8, and in the state of Rhode
Island on April 15, 2002. Both areas are live with the Assisted GPS Phase II handset solution that
provides enhanced location information for newer, GPS-equipped handsets, such as the Samsung
N300 handset and the 9155-GPX wireless phone by Audiovox.
In addition to activating the Phase II handset solution, Verizon Wireless activated Phase II service
in St. Clair County and Cook County, IL and Lake County, IN using an interim network solution and
has deployed the necessary network infrastructure for Phase II to Harris County, TX, Chicago, IL
and St. Louis, MO.
The company said the collaboration among its vendors, and with Public Safety agencies in IL, IN,
TX, RI and VA are integral in meeting these and future goals. Lucent Technologies' mobile
switching centers and its cell sites are core components of the Verizon Wireless network.
Verizon Wireless utilizes TCS and Intrado as the MPC (Mobile Positioning Center) service provider,
enabling a mobile subscriber's location to be sent to the appropriate PSAP that assists local public
safety personnel in locating the site of the emergency caller.
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