AT&T
Prior to now, AT&T had only been keeping track of calls depending on exactly where the call signal was, which could include up to a 10-mile radius. So if calls within that 10-mile radius were detected, then this could possibly slow down the exact amount of time that emergency vehicles would reach people in need of them.
If consumers would like to have this new technology put into effect, they do not need to do anything, since it is already offered in all Android and iPhone smartphones. An AT&T spokesperson told FierceWireless through email, "There is no need to deploy anything new for smartphones."
Thus far, this new technology has been released and can be accessed in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, Kansas, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Guam. AT&T says it will add support for "additional regions" over the next several weeks and expects nationwide support by the "end of June".
This new feature, known as "location-based routing," is a feature that is important because nowadays, 68% of adults do not have a landline phone within their homes. These days, 80% of 9-1-1 calls come from cellular devices, according to the National Emergency Number Association. So this form of technology that AT&T has developed is of significance because consumers will have quick and reliable connections to a public-safety answering point, regardless if they are calling from their mobile or home phones.
"AT&T is paving the way to create safer communities and is the only carrier to provide the most accurate solution to reduce wireless 9-1-1 call transfers beyond what the FCC is requiring carriers today," AT&T said.
This new feature location-based routing feature will make it far more convenient for users of all kinds to access emergency services quickly and easily. It is an innovation that will serve the public in a positive and beneficial way, and help them to make use of the services that they most need.
