9-1-1 Location Accuracy

Locating 9-1-1 callers presents a challenge for emergency communications centers, especially for indoor locations. In recent years, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has revised the location accuracy rules for wireless 9-1-1 calls and multi-line telephone systems. APCO has advocated for sensible improvements aimed at ensuring that ECCs receive actionable location information.

Here, we provide materials to help you learn the facts about the FCC’s recent actions to change the 9-1-1 location requirements.

Wireless Calls

• All APCO Filings on Wireless 9-1-1 Location Accuracy

FCC Establishes Z-Axis Metric for Vertical Accuracy for 9-1-1 Calls Placed Indoors

• July 16, 2020: FCC Adopts Sixth Report and Order on Z-Axis Metric
• February 7, 2020: APCO Petition for Clarification on the Z-Axis Order
• November 22, 2019: FCC Adopts Fifth Report and Order and Fifth Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Z-Axis Metric
• November 20, 2019: APCO TabletopX Blog, “FCC on the Verge of a Major Setback to 9-1-1 Location Accuracy”

FCC Expands 9-1-1 Location Accuracy Rules to Apply to Indoor Wireless Calls

• January 29, 2015: FCC Adopts New Rules for Wireless 9-1-1 Location Accuracy
• January 29, 2015: APCO Press Release Applauding 2015 Location Accuracy Rules
• November 18, 2014: APCO/NENA/Carriers Roadmap for Improving E9-1-1 Location Accuracy
• November 15, 2014: APCO Press Release APCO and NENA Reach Consensus Plan with Major Wireless Carriers on Improvements to Locating 9-1-1 Callers
• July 30, 2014: APCO Member Alert, “The Need to Improve Wireless 9-1-1 Location Accuracy

Calls Made From Multi-line Telephone Systems and Other Technologies

• 9-1-1 Direct Dialing, Notification, and Dispatchable Location Requirements - FCC Explanation of Kari’s Law and RAY BAUM’S Act