Stage Z test for vendors’ abilities to determine indoor altitude, or z-axis location

September 22, 2017

WASHINGTON – Today, the 9-1-1 Location Technologies Test Bed, LLC (Test Bed), an independent entity established by CTIA, invites vendors of location accuracy technologies to participate in Stage Z of the 9-1-1 indoor location technologies Test Bed. The Test Bed independently evaluates the ability of wireless providers to meet the FCC’s indoor 9-1-1 location accuracy requirements through different technologies.

Stage Z testing focuses on emerging indoor technologies that determine the altitude, or z-axis, of the 9-1-1 caller.

“Stage Z further demonstrates our commitment to exploring all existing and emerging technologies to improve indoor 9-1-1 location accuracy,” said Test Bed LLC Vice President Tom Sawanobori. “The results of these tests will help us evaluate technologies that can help first responders save lives during emergencies.”

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 encouraged carriers to establish vertical location information through dispatchable location information or z-axis technologies.

CTIA is also working with other stakeholders to develop a National Emergency Address Database (NEAD) that will support wireless providers’ ability to provide public-safety answering points (PSAPs) with dispatchable location information: a street address of the wireless caller and—when necessary to adequately identify the caller’s location indoors—more information like an apartment, office or suite number.

Stage Z is scheduled to begin in early 2018 with recommended metrics by August 2018.

All vendors interested in participating in Stage Z 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 October 23, 2017.