Originally published in 2004 and written by highly acclaimed location technology, applications and services expert, David H. Williams, this research has been updated by equally acclaimed P.J. Louis, formerly an executive with 9-1-1 industry leader True Position. This report has been updated in several areas with a particular emphasis on the business and technical issues, regulations, and impacts of 9-1-1 for VoIP service. This report provides key wireless 911 stakeholders, including state, local, and federal public safety officers, seasoned wireless executives, technology-savvy business executives, investment firms, and the educated consumer, a guide to understand the past, present, and future of wireless 911, also call Enhanced 911 or more often E-911. The report is distinguished from others because it addresses every key dimension of wireless E-911, from technologies, to regulatory issues, to business implications, to privacy implications, and much more. It covers these aspects at both the strategic level and a detailed, tactical level, providing the reader with useable information to set specific direction for his or her area(s) of responsibility.

While this research will be valuable to many in the wireless industry, this report will be of particular interest to:
Suppliers of public safety wireless systems, positioning systems (GPS, A-GPS, E-OTD, TDOA, TOA, AOA, AFLT), and location-based services (LBS) applications and services
Companies concerned with network and systems integration between wireless carriers, public safety answer points (PSAP), and other public safety systems
Providers of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), GIS map data, and related information for mobile location services (MLS)
Mobile network operators and wireless service providers such as resellers, agents, and mobile virtual network operators (MVNO)
Companies involved with next generation networks and concerned with the implementation and operation of E-911 over VoIP networks
Companies, agencies and government entities concerned with public safety, homeland security, and law enforcement
Companies, agencies and government entities outside the United States that want to learn from the US wireless 911 experiences. This will be of particular value to European interests in enhancing wireless 112 emergency calling services

Benefits of this Research

Carriers and Service Providers


Regulatory and legal affairs department will find this independent assessment of regulatory issues and carrier compliance invaluable
Engineering and planning departments will find this report extremely helpful to bring those less experienced and/or knowledgeable about wireless E-911, positioning, and LBS up-to-speed quickly regarding technology, business, and regulatory issues
LBS Suppliers


LBS application and positioning suppliers will find this independent assessment of the market very useful as they seek to develop new revenue streams based on the proliferation and increased used of LBS infrastructure
This research will help non-US companies and organizations learn what has worked well and what has not, technical challenges, regulatory challenges, and more. As other parts of the world develop their own wireless emergency calling and response capabilities, they can learn from the American mistakes rather than risk repeating them
Government and Public Safety Organizations



Governmental organizations such the E-911 Congressional Caucus, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Transportation, (etc.) will find this independent assessment of the past, present and future of wireless emergency calling
Public safety organizations such as APCO and NENA will find this to truly be the Definitive Guide to Wireless E-911, providing their less senior and experienced members
This research will help non-US governments and public safety organizations learn what has worked well and what has not, technical challenges, regulatory challenges, and more. As other parts of the world develop their own wireless emergency calling and response procedures and public policies, they can learn from the American mistakes rather than risk repeating them