From owner-vapsaps@virginiainteractive.org Sun Mar 18 23:47:40 2007 X-SBRS: None X-HAT: Group: RELAYLIST, Policy: $RELAYED Content-class: urn:content-classes:message MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Subject: New OnStar Service AND new T-Mobile Service Date: Sun, 18 Mar 2007 23:43:33 -0400 Message-ID: <4FD502C58D4D184B87881F55F6A2698C0321C589@ditexchange2.ditlan.dit.state.va.us> Thread-Topic: New OnStar Service AND new T-Mobile Service Thread-Index: Acdp2MStcnvkka6sQJi3DNPEcHMKdg== From: "Marzolf, Steve" <Steve.Marzolf@vita.virginia.gov> To: <vapsaps@vipnet.org> X-OriginalArrivalTime: 19 Mar 2007 03:43:33.0975 (UTC) FILETIME=[C4D8E670:01C769D8] Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit X-MIME-Autoconverted: from quoted-printable to 8bit by kasumi.vipnet.org id l2J3hdkH027635 Precedence: bulk Some of you may have already been contacted by or will soon be contacted by OnStar (or TCS representing OnStar). OnStar is in the process of deploying a new service that will allow them to connect to the PSAP through the 9-1-1 trunks rather than through 10-digit lines when (and only when) they have a confirmed emergency situation. Since this improves the prioritization of the call, we think this is a good idea and hope that you will work with OnStar to deploy it in your area. In short, they will be routing the calls to the PSAP using the same service that TCS markets to VoIP Providers. In the initial phase of deployment, the call from OnStar will come in on the same trunks as VoIP calls and display a "shell" record that identifies the call as from OnStar. It will provide the call back number for OnStar as well as a number for the TCS operations center should there be a technical problem with the call. One odd thing is that since they are using the same capability as VoIP to get the call to the PSAP, the class of service (COS) will be VOIP. Later this year, OnStar and TCS will be deploying a second phase to this service that will allow the lat/long of the call to be placed in the ALI record. Again, only confirmed emergencies will be sent to the PSAPs using this new service so it will hopefully help process these calls more quickly since they will come in as 9-1-1 calls and will eventually contain the location information for the OnStar equipped vehicles. If you have any questions or need any assistance, please feel free to contact your regional coordinator. The second new service will be from T-Mobile. They are implementing a new type of wireless service based on a new telephone device. The idea is to use WiFi where they don't have good cell coverage. They call it "HotSpot@Home" and it uses a telephone device that can make calls both on their network and a WiFi hotspot (basically wireless VoIP). Customers can get this phone and get WiFi installed in their home. When they are at home, the phone uses WiFi and the Internet to make calls (essentially free) and when out of the house, the telephone uses the T-Mobile network. Interestingly, the telephone can work at any of the T-Mobile WiFi hotspots (like at almost all Starbucks) and most other hotspots that are properly configured. When the user of this type of phone dials 9-1-1, the phone will first attempt to use the T-Mobile cell network. If it is successful, this will be a typical Phase II wireless call. If it cannot get the cell signal, it will try on a WiFi signal. If it is a T-Mobile hotspot or one that has been preconfigured (such as in the person's home), the address of the hotspot will be sent with the call to the PSAP. During initial testing in Washington state, only 1 out of over 600 calls to 9-1-1 routed by WiFi. All other calls routed by the existing cell service. If the phone hits a hotspot that is not preconfigured or registered, then the 9-1-1 call is routed to TCS's call center for pre-screening and manual routing. This is an unlikely occurance, but could happen so T-Mobile/TCS have been calling all PSAPs to confirm 10-digit routing numbers. Again, they do not expect to have to use them often, but if the call gets routed to the TCS call center, they need an ability to get it to the correct PSAP through the PSTN. Neither of these new services should be a large burden on the PSAP and will provide better service to the consumers. While it will be a few months before T-Mobile deploys their service, they are calling PSAPs for information so we wanted to let you know about it. OnStar is also calling for information and is preparing to deploy their service very soon. Both should be doing a few test calls after they deploy, but this should be minimal and could be viewed like deploying another VoIP provider. In other words, not that big of a deal. Again, if you have any questions, problems or need any assistance, please feel free to contact your regional coordinator. Thanks and have a great day... Steve Marzolf Virginia Information Technologies Agency Integrated Services Program 411 E. Franklin Street, Suite 500 Richmond, Virginia 23219 (804) 371-0015 (voice) (866) 4-VA-E911 (toll free) (804) 371-2277 (fax) steve.marzolf@vita.virginia.gov From