AT&T Launches Nationwide Location-based Routing for Wireless 911 Calls

Courtesy of AT&T / FirstNet

By Catherine Dorrough

AT&T has partnered with global technology provider Intrado to become the first carrier to launch nationwide location-based routing to automatically transmit wireless 911 calls to the appropriate call centers. The “Locate Before Route” feature uses device GPS and hybrid information to route calls to the correct public safety answering point, according to a company announcement.

Historically, 911 calls have been routed based on cell tower locations, which can cause calls to be routed to geographically incorrect call centers. New location-based routing can locate a device within 50 meters, according to the announcement. According to the National Emergency Number Association, in many areas of the U.S., 80 percent or more of 911 calls are made from a mobile device.

The rollout is underway, and the company said it expects to be finished by June. As of May 10, the new technology had become available in Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, Kansas, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Guam.

Courtesy of AT&T