SCC removes E911 roadblock

SCC Communications is splitting the paths of voice and data communications for the benefit of E911 services.

The E911 solutions provider has added enhancements to its Wireless National ALI (automatic location identification) product as well as a physical connectivity to enable all the information to be exchanged from public safety answering points (PSAPs), wireless carriers and SCC’s data center.

The company’s network now lets PSAPs that use on-site ALI databases to immediately receive caller location information when wireless 911 calls are started. The network uses non-call path associated signaling (NCAS) to deliver a caller’s information and location data over a network separate of the voice call path, providing PSAPs with information and location identification faster.

“Wireless carriers are obviously faced with the challenges of needing to make the technology enhancements that would enable wireless E911 to roll out,” said Dan Hoskins, general manager of SCC’s wireless division. “So to them this eliminates an obstacle that was in place to be able to fulfill their obligations to provide wireless E911 to their communities.”

The company plans on working with PSAPs and state agencies to “leverage mechanisms” to fund the enhancements and physical connectivity. “As we deploy this we will work with communities to leverage government-enabled cost recovery so PSAPs can enable this technology,” Hoskins said.

SCC currently is in the process of deploying its Wireless National ALI connectivity to 18 pubic safety agencies that use stand-alone ALI databases, Hoskins said. These include Shiawassee County, Mich., Grant County, Ohio, and sixteen public safety agencies in Tennessee.