Next-gen Triple Zero RFT due soon

The federal government has announced that it will soon issue an RFT for delivery of the next-generation Triple Zero Emergency Call Service, which will include integrated location-based data services.

Next-gen Triple Zero will enable emergency services operators to more precisely locate the position of a caller, by using the GPS capabilities of mobile phones.

Two expressions of interest (EOI) processes were conducted in late 2016 — one for the Emergency Call Service and a second for location-based data services.

Following feedback, the government has decided that a single tender for both services will deliver the best value and the most effective outcome.

The EOI process identified Advanced Mobile Location (AML) technology standard as the preferred solution for providing the location-based data.

AML delivers accuracy of up to five metres and automatically provides the caller’s location to emergency services, with built-in privacy safeguards that ensure only emergency responders have access to data for the purpose of the call.

The tender will specify that any technology platform must be sufficiently flexible so as to be able to implement additional or alternative technologies if and when they become available in the future.

It will also include a condition that the Triple Zero service must continue to be based in Australia and serviced by an Australian contact centre.

The Emergency Call Service has been provided by Telstra and its predecessor organisations since 1961.

Since 2012, Telstra has provided the service under regulation and contractual arrangements with the Australian Government. The contract includes a provision for a competitive tender process to occur.

If a new supplier is not engaged, Telstra will continue to deliver the Emergency Call Service.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/bluraz

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook