How does Canadas E9-1-1 service compare to other countries?
A. Only four of the 24 EU-member countries offer enhanced handset location information that is provided in Canada. As well, in Canada, the handset location information is provided automatically to the 9-1-1 call centre, whereas in Europe the handset location information is only provided on a request-only or “pull” basis. The remaining 20 EU-member countries only provide the cell phone number and the cell site or cell tower transmitting the call. Again, the cell site or cell tower location information is on a request-only basis. Enhanced 9-1-1 with handset location information has been rolling out in the US over the past 8 years. Some areas of the US still do not have this enhanced service. As well, in the US, the roll-out of the service is being done on a county-by-county basis, as opposed to Canada’s national roll-out.
