GeoComm - Cascade County, Montana

Each year there are approximately 240 million 9-1-1 calls made in the United States; approximately one-third of those calls originate from wireless telephones. In many communities, at least half of the 9-1-1 calls come from wireless telephones. In the State of Montana, over 50 percent of 9-1-1 calls are received from wireless phones. In order to be Phase II compliant the wireless carriers must deliver the actual longitude and latitude of the wireless E9-1-1 caller. In wireless Phase II, this location information must be displayed on a dispatcher's station and made available to integrate into mapping applications for emergency services dispatch. For Cascade County, Montana, who receives Phase II E9-1-1 calls, the main problem was they did not have baseline data for the value of the estimated location they were receiving, prompting them to hire GeoComm to complete a Wireless E9-1-1 Accuracy Testing.

The testing was completed to validate the level and quality of location data currently being provided by the wireless service providers within Cascade County. GeoComm conducted almost 1,600 test calls to capture the current status and accuracy of wireless 9-1-1 calls. This data was analyzed and used to work with wireless service providers to improve location accuracy in the county and provide effective dispatch of emergency services. GeoComm also reviewed the PSAP operational practices to evaluate the quality of wireless location data being delivered to the PSAPs and the associated operational practices in processing a wireless call.

After the testing was complete, GeoComm provided Cascade County with a Wireless E9-1-1 Accuracy Testing Results and Recommendations Report. The report summarized the information collected and provided recommendations for establishing E9-1-1 operational practices at the PSAP and for use with wireless services providers to improve variances in call location accuracy. In Addition, GeoComm assisted the State of Montana and Cascade County officials in determining the required modifications to the county’s E9-1-1 operation practices and assisted in discussion with the wireless service providers to improve wireless call accuracy in the county. This wireless accuracy testing, along with the modifications made when processing a wireless 9-1-1 call, ensure Cascade County’s Phase II E9-1-1 system is one of the most accurate systems in the State. Cascade County and the PSAP will use the data collection results for collaboration and coordination with the wireless service providers.

“The results of the State of Montana pilot wireless accuracy testing in Cascade County will assist in developing a statewide accuracy testing process that could be performed by the PSAP or under third-party contract. We look forward to FCC direction on accuracy issues, Becky Berger, State of Montana, 9-1-1 Program Manager."

About Cascade County:
Cascade County, which is located in central Montana covers almost 2700 square miles and has a population of almost 80,000 people. The county is served by a single PSAP which is located in Great Falls, the county seat.