iPhones to Make 911 Calls More Effective

John Lister's picture

iPhones will now automatically share precise location details with 911 operators during emergency calls. It's part of an overhaul of the emergency phone system for the mobile age.

The change will come in iOS12, the next edition of the Apple operating system, which will be released this fall. It means that by default the location is transmitted when the phone makes an emergency call. Apple says the data collected and shared in this process will only ever be used for emergencies. (Source: theverge.com)

Precise Location Uses Multiple Sources

It builds on a 2015 Apple feature called Hybridized Emergency Location, which calculates a user's precise location by combining multiple sources of information. These include which cellphone towers are within range, the phone's GPS location, and the combination of public WiFi networks that are within range of the phone. It even includes data from the iPhone's built-in barometer, which can combine with local weather data to estimate the device's altitude.

This goes beyond the accuracy used for apps such as Google Maps. It's only activated when needed, partly for privacy reasons and partly because it could drain batteries quickly if constantly used.

The Apple change is only one half of the equation. The key is being able to make the data available to call centers. They will be able to receive and use the data through technology from a company named RapidSOS.

Emergency Networks Outdated

The big problem is that the emergency calls network works on technology designed for landlines, but more than 80 percent of emergency calls now come from cellphones. At the simplest level, this means operators can no longer find somebody's location just by using the incoming call number. Callers can't always give their location, either because they are in distress or don't know exactly where they are.

Using cellphone location data isn't a simple measure either. Many emergency networks were only designed to carry the low bandwidth needed to carry a voice signal and don't have room for accompanying data. RapidSOS is designed to make it easier to upgrade networks.

The location data isn't simply about the dispatch of emergency services. It can also overcome problems where cellphones connect to a tower across state lines and the emergency call itself goes to the 'wrong' call center and has to be rerouted, wasting valuable time. (Source: wired.com)

What's Your Opinion?

Would you be happy for your phone to share precise location data in this way? Do you trust it not to be misused? Should all emergency call networks be upgraded to better handle cellphones, even if the cost is high?

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bern's picture

In the UK you can call 999(UK) 112(EU) or 911(US) and you will automatically be put through free (even if the phone is locked) to one of 6 emergency call centres run by BT to which all phone providers must subscribe. From a landline they get your phone number, GSM phone the connected cell tower and since 2014 from smart phones the operator also gets an SMS with WiFi and/or GPS information. The information is then used to redirect to your nearest relevant emergency control centre who will send you the most appropriate response from their own resources or from an adjacent one (there are no hard boundaries).

As the UK has been on almost continuous terrorist alert since 1974 when the IRA bombed two pubs in Birmingham killing 22, no one has ever queried sending location data. In an emergency quick accurate location data is vital to a rapid response, otherwise, why make the call? If it helps identify hoaxers so much the better. In a major incident the number and geographical dispersion of the calls helps define its scale and spread. In the US you have far more mass shootings than we have ever had terrorist incidents. It is even more vital.

In the UK all the emergency services are either provided by national or local government or voluntary charities. You will not be charged. If you have 30+ mountain rescue volunteers out searching all night for you, followed by an Air Ambulance, Coastguard or RAF helicopter to lift you and your party to hospital, the most you will get a polite request as to whether you would like to make a donation to support the work of the relevant charity.

On mainland Europe, many countries will make you pay for it. If you do not have insurance (or more likely it does not cover your activity) the cost can run to the value of your house. The Swiss especially will pursue you across the world, take you to court and force you to sell your house to recover the money