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Access to emergency services

The Road to VoLTE Emergency Calling: Addressing the Opportunities and Challenges

December 20, 2023 Ciaran Moynihan Access to emergency services

The commercial and regulatory drive to roll out 4G/5G networks is generally welcomed by all stakeholders. Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) can increase network capacity by refarming valuable spectrum from "legacy" 2G and 3G network services to facilitate the provision of more enhanced services to their customers while regulators and authorities will be pleased to see faster speeds, better connectivity, and more enhanced and flexible communication services available to the public.

Where Are We… With Accessibility?

October 24, 2023 Amy Leete Access to emergency services

With at least 650 million people with disabilities worldwide, and 100 million people with disabilities in the European Union alone, accessibility matters. So why is it that most emergency services can still only be reached via voice call? With EU legislation deadlines looming, let’s explore the obstacles – and solutions – for accessible emergency communications.

The False Call Mystery

September 19, 2023 Amy Leete Access to emergency services

Earlier this year, emergency call centres experienced a strange and alarming issue. Globally, millions of calls to emergency numbers were made, but the callers were completely silent.

The Effects of Circuit Switched FallBack on Emergency Calls

August 8, 2023 Daniel Rata Access to emergency services

According to the current legal framework, access to emergency services revolves around number-based interpersonal communication services, which means the caller identity is one of the main attributes of the emergency call.

Sirens to Sounds: Emergency Services and Harnessing the Power of TikTok

May 3, 2023 Amy Leete Access to emergency services

Emergency service staff… or social media star? In today’s world, you can be both – as TikTok carves out a new space for police, firefighters, and paramedics to reach a young, new audience.

The NG-SOS Platform; a case study of up-and-running international interoperability

March 28, 2023 Filip Maleňák Access to emergency services

NG-SOS has created a unique cross-border connection of 4 EU mobile apps, which together currently serve more than 3.5 million users, and which have been communicating within a homogeneous barrier-free region for more than 4 years.

New Technologies, New Opportunities: Improving Accessibility in Emergency Communications

March 16, 2023 Bertrand Casse Access to emergency services

This blog considers the role of PEMEA in light of new accessibility requirements clarified by the recently adopted delegated regulation supplementing the European Electronic Communications Code.

Getting started with AI in public safety: A guide for Public Safety Answering Points

September 2, 2025 Nick Chorley Access to emergency services

This blogpost by offers a practical guide for Public Safety Answering Points on how to begin adopting AI, from call transcription and translation to predictive analytics and triage, highlighting both the opportunities to improve efficiency and save lives, and the need for careful planning, data security, and staff training.

A person texting.

Where are we with Real-Time Text?

September 24, 2024 Freddie McBride Access to emergency services

This blog post introduces the progress of Real-Time Text implementation and the regulation, importance and challenges of the function.

How the Push for Inclusive Emergency Communications is Driving Technological Breakthroughs

March 20, 2024 Amy Leete Access to emergency services

While disability affects a high proportion of the population, accessible emergency services are not available to all. But new technology is turning the tide – ushering in a new wave of services that are making emergency responses faster, easier, and more efficient.