What's the Problem with Wireless 911 Call Routing?

Since 1998, 911 calls from mobile phones have been routed to the nearest public safety answering point based upon the cell tower the call was made from rather than the precise location of the caller.

Cell tower coverage can span just a few city blocks or stretch many miles in rural areas. Meanwhile PSAPs cover specific jurisdictions such as cities, counties, or interstate areas. When a single cell tower covers multiple jurisdictions, only one PSAP can be designated to receive 911 calls from a cell tower. The designated PSAP must then determine the proper jurisdiction and transfer calls to the appropriate PSAP.

Wireless location technology has evolved greatly over years, but wireless 911 call location has remained firmly in the past.

According to the FCC, as many as 23 million wireless 911 calls are misrouted each year. And call transfers can add up to 40 seconds of delay. Misrouted wireless calls are the most pressing concern in 911 today. Cellular location technology has evolved – and so should wireless 911 call routing.

Intrado Locate Before Route taps into the location capability of wireless phones to quickly and accurately route 911 calls to the appropriate PSAP.

The FCC estimates location-based routing has the potential to reduce misroutes by up to 85% and rules have been put in place for carriers to adopt location-based routing.

FCC Location-based Routing Compliance Dates

Calls

• November 13, 2024 for nationwide wireless carriers
• May 13, 2026 for non-nationwide wireless carriers

Real-time Text

• May 13, 2026 for all wireless carriers

Intrado is dedicated to saving lives and protecting communities. With Locate Before Route, carriers can transform how wireless 911 calls are routed to PSAPs.  

If you're interested in learning more about Locate Before Route and need to meet the FCC's regulatory compliance deadlines, you can speak with an Intrado expert by filling out the form on this page.