What technology do PSAPs commonly use to locate callers?

What technology do PSAPs commonly use to locate callers?

• A. Global Positioning System (GPS)
• B. Enhanced 911 (E911)
• C. Automatic Number Identification (ANI)
• D. Basic 911 Service

Answer: (B)

Enhanced 911 (E911) is the correct answer because it represents a significant advancement over traditional 911 service in terms of caller location accuracy. E911 systems automatically provide dispatchers with the caller's location information when a call is placed to emergency services. This is particularly crucial for addressing emergencies where every second counts, as responders can pinpoint the location without requiring the caller to provide their address. While Global Positioning System (GPS) technology can also assist in determining locations, it is not exclusively used by all PSAPs for the purpose of emergency calls, as not all callers may have GPS capabilities on their devices or be in areas where GPS signals are reliable. Automatic Number Identification (ANI) provides the phone number of the caller, which can be useful for returning calls, but it does not inherently include location information. Basic 911 Service lacks the enhancements provided by E911, meaning it does not automatically provide location data and relies solely on the caller to communicate their location.

Enhanced 911 (E911) is the correct answer because it represents a significant advancement over traditional 911 service in terms of caller location accuracy. E911 systems automatically provide dispatchers with the caller's location information when a call is placed to emergency services. This is particularly crucial for addressing emergencies where every second counts, as responders can pinpoint the location without requiring the caller to provide their address.

While Global Positioning System (GPS) technology can also assist in determining locations, it is not exclusively used by all PSAPs for the purpose of emergency calls, as not all callers may have GPS capabilities on their devices or be in areas where GPS signals are reliable.

Automatic Number Identification (ANI) provides the phone number of the caller, which can be useful for returning calls, but it does not inherently include location information. Basic 911 Service lacks the enhancements provided by E911, meaning it does not automatically provide location data and relies solely on the caller to communicate their location.