E911
Overview
The 911 emergency communication system allows anybody dialing 911 from a telephone to be connected to a Public Safety Answering Point. Every telephone service provider must input its end user telephone numbers and service addresses into the 911 database system.
Description
Verizon provides basic (911) and enhanced (E911) emergency service for access to emergency service providers by dialing 911. Both services offer a carrier the ability to interconnect through the Verizon Emergency Network for all subtending PSAPs.
When an end user dials 911 in the enhanced 911 environment (E911), the end user is routed to the 911 tandem and selectively routed to the PSAP. The PSAP uses the Caller's ANI to retrieve the Caller's location information from the Automatic Location Identification (ALI) system. It is the PSAP's responsibility to provide the appropriate emergency services dispatch to this address. With Basic 911 service, an end user dials 911 and the call, is routed directly to the PSAP who is responsible for providing the appropriate emergency services based on information given to the call taker by the caller.
There are different network arrangements for a carrier to connect to the 911 tandem. Carriers require dedicated connection from their switch to the 911 tandem utilizing access transport pursuant to tariffs Carriers that choose to collocate at the 911 tandem can purchase a dedicated trunk port. Carriers that choose to interconnect to the 911 tandem purchase a dedicated 911 trunk port and interconnection transport to the 911 tandem. Carriers that choose to purchase switch ports at a Verizon end office access the 911 tandem by utilizing Verizon's dedicated E911/911 Network.
Availability
E911 is available nationwide.
Pricing
Based on local jurisdiction, an 911 surcharge may apply to each access line. For additional details on 911 surcharge/payment information, the CLEC should contact the appropriate state/local agencies.
The 911 surcharge is not the same as the E911 infrastructure charge which Verizon charges the CLEC in order to meet the cost of supporting 911 service. This infrastructure charge is based on the number of facilities and ports utilized.
Pricing and regulations vary by state jurisdiction and pursuant to individual carrier interconnection agreements. See your federal and state tariffs for detailed information here.
The 911 tandem has direct incoming trunks from all of its subtending central offices. These trunks are multi-frequency (MF) or Signaling System 7 (SS7). Incoming calls to the PSAP are switched from the originating central office to the 911 tandem and the 911 tandem routes the caller to the PSAP.
PSAP Call Takers can originate calls to end users via administrative lines that originate from the serving wire center of the PSAP. These calls receive the same LNP treatment as any other call from the serving wire center.
The basic network elements involved in establishing connectivity to Verizon's 911 are as follows:
IOF Transport
The Interoffice Facility provides transport between two central offices. The carrier may secure dedicated transport from its local switch to the Verizon 911 Tandem central office in the following manner:
- Carrier provided transport facility
- Third party provided transport facility
- Interconnection transport from Verizon
Interconnection Dedicated 911 Trunk Port
The point of interconnection is at the Verizon 911 Tandem. Within the Verizon 911 Tandem central office, the carrier requires a dedicated 911 trunk port. The& carrier may access the dedicated 911 trunk port via either its collocation arrangement or through interconnection transport.
E911 Database Requirements
Responsibility for entering end user records into the E911 database generally rests with the carrier that owns the local end user switch.
If a carrier other than Verizon owns the local switch, then that carrier is responsible for entering and updating information in the 911 database. The 911 input procedure varies depending on the area in which that carrier is providing service.
If Verizon owns the switch, Verizon will enter and update the information in the 911 database. The carrier is responsible for providing Verizon with accurate information through the service order process. Verizon inputs this information to the 911 database via the service order process.
In Verizon-North and Verizon-South, except for New Jersey, the input procedure is PS/ALI. In New Jersey the procedure is EDI - Electronic Data Inter Exchange. Information on each procedure can be obtained from a Verizon Account Manager or on the Wholesale Markets web page under supplemental documentation 'E911 PS/ALI Guide' or 'Mechanized Data Entry Requirements for New Jersey 911 Database'.
In each case, the information from the listing field on the service order must match an entry in the Master Street Address Guide (MSAG) in order for the 911 database to accept the information. A CLEC can verify location fields by using the MSAG. If the location field does not match an entry in the MSAG the transactions for 911 purposes only is rejected and remains incomplete until the valid location information is entered.
Diagrams
