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When you think you have it all figured out, 911 calls from Enterprise devices take another unexpected turn. For business users, the next significant communications evolution on the immediate horizon is “Fixed-Mobile Convergence,” or FMC. This is another acronym for an industry already overflowing with them. FMC refers to merging our typical fixed (or wired) communication services with those that are mobile (or wireless). Enterprises will use this approach in the future to deliver their users a unified and connected communications experience.
Building out and deploying an FMC architecture allows employees to seamlessly move between the office. They can use traditional desk telephones or soft phones. It also enables movement to external network environments with Wi-Fi and mobile devices such as smartphones. These networks and devices give persistent access to voice, data, and messaging services. This enables an interesting next step: eliminating most desktop devices. This is in favor of a single nomadic device for all individual communication needs.
Once fully implemented, FMC offers a host of benefits for an improved enterprise environment, including:
1. Unified Communications
Users can easily access all voice calls, video conferencing, instant messaging, and other services across multiple services without disruption. A single phone number represents and follows the user. This happens no matter where they are or what device they’re using. Although this sounds intriguing, it will completely disrupt E911. It will make it ineffective in some scenarios. Phone numbers are used for LOCATION CORRELATION IN THE e911 network.
911 RED FLAG NUMBER 1!
2. Seamless Hand-off
FMC systems will allow calls to transfer between fixed and mobile networks without dropping. For instance, an employee on a VoIP call in the office can leave the building. The call will seamlessly transfer to their mobile phone.
3. Cost Efficiency
FMC can reduce mobile usage costs. It does this by routing mobile calls through the enterprise’s fixed network. This is especially beneficial for internal or international calls.
Again, this complicates E911. The enterprise must always understand the location. It must have access to local E911 service areas to route the call appropriately, regardless of the location. 911 RED FLAG NUMBER 2!
4. Improved Mobility
Employees can work and communicate effectively on the go, enhancing productivity and flexibility in the enterprise.
Once again, this exacerbates the E911 location discovery and routing problem for more calls as this technology is still maturing. 911 RED FLAG NUMBER 3!
YIKES!
That’s 75% of the FMC value proposition use cases that are problematic for emergency life safety calling.
The Challenges of 911 with FMC
Emergency calling presents unique challenges for FMC users. The legacy E911 system in use today relies on the concept that telephone numbers are fixed. They are phone numbers at pre-established locations. Current and precise location information is stored in a legacy tabular database. Integrating fixed and mobile networks into the mix makes it nearly impossible to dynamically create and update the caller’s location. This step is critical for emergency services. They need this information to affect their services appropriately. This also creates a compliance issue for enterprises. There is a direct conflict with the requirements defined for Kari’s Law. There is also a conflict with the RAY BAUM’S Act as defined in USC 47 § 9.5 (et. seq.)
Fixed-Line E911 Calls
In traditional wired or in-building Wi-Fi environments, dialing 911 from a desk phone routes the call. The call goes through the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). The caller’s location is based on the device’s unique phone number address record. This information is delivered to the 911 call center (Public Safety Answering Point, or PSAP). Systems are available to track and manage these device location records, providing a Dispatchable Location.
Mobile E911 Calls
When someone dials 911 from a mobile phone, the call routes through the mobile network. It routes to the nearest 911 call center based on the closest cell tower or modern handset Location-Based Services (LBS). While improving, this data can still be imprecise, particularly in urban environments or indoors.
FMC911 Calls
In an FMC system, the challenge is ensuring that 911 calls are routed correctly. The caller’s location must also be accurately provided. This is necessary whether the user is on a fixed or mobile network. Enterprises deploying FMC need to make sure that:
- Calls from devices connected to the enterprise’s network offer a dispatchable location. They also send on-site notifications to internal teams and the PSAP.
- Calls from cellular devices within the enterprise network should also deliver precise location data to emergency services. This involves specialized Geo-fence location-based services within the building, using Wi-Fi or GPS-based tracking to pinpoint the caller’s location.
E911 Requirements
Enhanced 911 (E911) regulations mandate that precise location information be available when making 911 calls from within large enterprises. This includes details such as the floor or room number. This is essential when using VoIP or mobile phones on a private network. FMC systems must follow these regulations to deliver exact location data to first responders.
Role of NG911
As enterprises adopt Next Generation 911 (NG911), FMC systems should be able to support multimedia communication. These include texts, videos, and detailed location data. FMC systems should also support voice. This will improve how emergency services receive information from fixed and mobile callers. NG911 systems can integrate with FMC platforms to enhance location accuracy. They can also deliver additional context to emergency responders, such as building layouts.
A Glimpse into the Future
Technology, while bringing challenges, also offers solutions. Legacy 911 networks are undoubtedly long overdue for retirement. FMC is one of many technological advancements that will evolve despite not considering emergency services access. However, emergency calling technology must progress. This is where NG911 will step in. It will offer a viable solution with an entirely new architecture. This architecture is designed to handle these challenges.
Conclusion
FMC may offer the enterprise flexibility and cost savings by combining fixed and mobile communication networks. Ensuring that 911 calls are correctly routed is crucial. Providing accurate location information is also crucial. This can be addressed through careful network planning. Compliance with 911 regulations is also necessary. Additionally, adopting NG911 technologies improves location accuracy. These technologies also include NG911 compliant multimedia communication capabilities for emergency calls.
At 911inform, the focus is on simplifying the delivery of safety information through innovative new data presentation to the ECC and managing that data by the Enterprise. We are setting a brand-new standard for emergency response data by leveraging advanced technologies and a user-centric approach. As the industry evolves, the importance of actionable, productive data will only grow, underscoring the need for continuous innovation and improvement in this critical field.
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Thanks for spending time with me; I look forward to next time. Stay safe and take care.
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