Texas County`s 911 system will track cellular calls
A system under development by a partnership managed by the Greater Harris County (TX) 911 Emergency Network will track emergency calls made by cellular phone. Testing of the new system is expected to take place during the first quarter of 1995, according to Dave Pickett, the network`s operations manager. Pickett estimates that almost a quarter of the network`s emergency calls come from cellular phones in some of the network`s jurisdictions. Currently, cellular phones do not automatically identify the number or location for a 911 operator.
The new system will provide for 120 degrees of cell sight (about two to three miles). The objective, Pickett says, is to identify the call site within three meters. Now, when an accident occurs, he explains, as many as 50 calls from a single accident are received within two minutes. Tracking cellular calls will help determine whether the calls are referring to the same accident or a new one within the area, Pickett explains.
Among the modifications underway to prepare the system for the needed high-speed processing of selected route calls is the installation of $2 million worth of high-speed switches. The network overhaul project is expected to cost $3.1 million over the next few years. Massachusetts-based Spectrum Associates Inc. has developed the software for the network.
The new system will identify the call as coming from a cellular phone and instantly will locate the cell station relaying the call. A map on the operator`s screen will assist the operator in locating the caller. Operators will be able to immediately refer calls to the appropriate agency through on-screen icons; the calls will be recorded on a hard disk.
The new system will be funded by the network`s 911 service fees on the phone bills of subscribers. The current rate is a maximum of 24 cents per month for residential and an average of 55 cents per line for business (up to 100 lines). The network will join other 911 entities in 1995 in filing legislation for authorization to charge the 911 fee on wireless.
Sources: “A national first for 911,” Glen Golightly, Houston Chronicle, July 21, 1994; phone interview with Dave Pickett, Nov. 2, 1994.
