Newsletter
On Thursday, December 17, T-Mobile announced they are launching new 911 capabilities. T-Mobile’s new 911 capabilities include new location-based routing and next-generation 911 connectivity over internet provider (IP).
These are two critical improvements that can help first responders respond to an emergency quicker by pinpointing the location of callers. This reduces the need for call transfers. As a result, it also creates a more efficient and effective emergency communication system.
As the Un-carrier T-Mobile has always had a goal of innovating and pushing the wireless industry forward for the sake of the consumers. So, their new 911 capabilities will continue this trend. Above all, T-Mobile is focused on the safety of its customers, and the public in general. With their advanced LTE and 5G networks, they are in the position to improve response times.
T-Mobile’s New 911 Capabilities Explained
The two new capabilities are unique in how they work. Firstly, Location-Based Routing (LBR) cuts the need for 911 call transfers. To clarify, this works by leveraging low latency device-based location technology.
As a result, this allows the network to connect callers to the appropriate 911 call center. T-Mobile says that some areas with LBR enabled has experienced up to 40 percent fewer call transfers. As of this writing, LBR is enabled in parts of Texas and Washington State. T-Mobile is working with authorities to bring this to the entire nation.
Secondly, Next Generation 911 (NG911) will catapult emergency communications into the future. NG911 will transition 911 systems to a state-of-the-art IP-based system. This will allow for a seamless flow of information from the caller to the 911 telecommunicators, and finally to first responders. T-Mobile says this will improve 911 systems. This improvement will help manage call overload, natural disaster response, and interoperability between jurisdictions.
NG911 doesn’t just stop there. It paves the way for future forms of communications to be possible as well. As it improves crash detection systems will become more effective. By sending notifications and data to 911 dispatchers directly, third parties are cut out of the equation.
As of this writing, T-Mobile has a level of NG911 connectivity up and running in all or part of Delaware, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, and Washington state. The Un-carrier has plans to expand this nationwide when public safety networks become ready.
T-Mobile is no stranger to improving public safety. They are the first major wireless provider to make the 988-emergency lifeline available to their customers. T-Mobile is America’s leader in 5G in regards to speed and coverage. So, along with its new 911 capabilities, T-Mobile continues to innovate and push the industry forward.