CTIA’s 9-1-1 location accuracy technologies test bed invites solutions providers to participate in a new round of testing

WASHINGTON – June 30, 2017: The 9-1-1 Location Technologies Test Bed, LLC, an independent entity established by CTIA, invites vendors of location accuracy technologies to participate in a new round of the 9-1-1 indoor location technologies Test Bed.

Stages 1 and 2 of the Test Bed focused on verifying the indoor performance of existing or commercially available 9-1-1 location technologies. The new round, Stage 2a, will enable wireless industry and public safety community stakeholders to evaluate how new and evolving technologies can continue to enhance the capabilities of our nation’s 9-1-1 system. Stage 2a testing is scheduled to begin in the San Francisco and Atlanta regions later this year.

Consistent with the FCC’s 2015 Order on Indoor Wireless 9-1-1 Location Accuracy, CTIA established the Test Bed to independently and transparently evaluate the indoor performance of new and existing wireless 9-1-1 location information technologies. The FCC’s rules were based on the Roadmap to Improve 9-1-1 Location Accuracy adopted in 2014 by AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless as well as the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) and the National Emergency Number Association (NENA).

“Public safety is critically important to the wireless industry and consumers. We are working collaboratively with the public safety community to thoroughly evaluate new technologies under real-life conditions,” said Test Bed LLC Vice President Tom Sawanobori. "We look forward to Stage 2a of the 9-1-1 location technology testing to support further innovation in emergency communications, including indoor location accuracy. We are pleased that this testing infrastructure is helping evaluate whether new communications technologies will improve 9-1-1 location accuracy and help first responders and consumers."

The Test Bed is managed by The Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS), which brings together the top global ICT companies to advance the industry’s most critical business priorities.

All vendors interested in participating in stage 2a of the Test Bed can visit the 9-1-1 Location Technologies Test Bed, LLC website or reach out to [email protected] Vendors are reminded that applications are due July 21, 2017.