Australian Telcos Lead the World to Higher Standards for Mobile Emergency Calling

The Australian telecommunications industry is leading an international effort to improve the reliability of Triple Zero emergency calling in Australia and around the world.

The ATA, Telstra, Optus, and TPG Telecom have identified gaps in global mobile technology standards that can affect how some devices connect emergency calls when a customer’s usual mobile network is unavailable.

Because these technical specifications are embedded in mobile phones, network equipment, and software used worldwide, the issue cannot be resolved through changes in Australia alone. Instead, changes must be made through the international standards process that governs how mobile networks and handsets operate globally.

To drive that change, the ATA, Telstra, Optus, and TPG Telecom worked together with network equipment suppliers and device manufacturers on a series of proposals to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), the world governing body responsible for global mobile specifications. The proposals are aimed at strengthening global technical standards for mobile networks and devices, ultimately protecting Australians by enhancing the reliability of Triple Zero.

The Australian-led effort has already delivered a significant result, with 3GPP accepting one of the proposed changes relating to mobile device behaviour during emergency call attempts. Under the approved change, if an initial emergency call over Wi-Fi fails, the device will rapidly attempt to connect the emergency call via an alternate path, reducing delays and improving call completion outcomes. Future versions of global standards will reflect this improved device behaviour, benefiting mobile users in Australia and internationally.

Additional amendments being developed by the consortium of Australian telcos focus on the speed and success rate of mobile emergency call completion in situations when the customer’s usual mobile network is unavailable.

ATA CEO Luke Coleman said: “The technology that determines how mobile phones connect emergency calls depends on global standards.”

“That means some of the most important improvements for Australians can only be achieved by changing the international specifications used by technology vendors, network operators, and device manufacturers around the world.”

“Australia’s mobile network operators have identified opportunities to improve the way devices behave when attempting emergency calls during network outages, or other exceptional circumstances. The ATA has brought together operators, technology vendors, and device manufacturers to pursue those changes through the global standards process.”

“International standards development is complex work. It requires technical analysis, industry consensus, and support from stakeholders across multiple countries. While these reforms take time, they deliver lasting improvements because they become part of the specifications used across the global mobile ecosystem.”