What's Happening?
A recent review into Optus' emergency call system has uncovered significant delays in the 'camp-on' process, where emergency calls are rerouted to another network if the primary network is unavailable.
The review, led by Dr. Kerry Schott, found that it can take 40-60 seconds for calls to connect, a delay that could lead callers to hang up in emergencies. This issue affects both Apple and Samsung devices and is attributed to outdated system standards and network settings. The review highlights that the current triple zero system, designed during the 2G and 3G eras, may not be compatible with modern network and device capabilities. Optus had previously set a 10-second timeout for emergency calls to address specific device issues, but this has since been reverted to 600 seconds.
Why It's Important?
The findings of the Optus review are critical as they expose vulnerabilities in the emergency call system that could have life-threatening consequences. The delay in connecting emergency calls can prevent timely assistance, potentially endangering lives. This revelation puts pressure on the government and telecommunications industry to modernize the triple zero system to accommodate current technological advancements. The review suggests that integrating data services into the emergency system could enhance its efficiency and reliability. The outcome of this review could lead to significant regulatory changes and technological upgrades, impacting how emergency services are accessed and delivered across the country.
What's Next?
Following the review, there is an urgent call for the government and industry stakeholders to investigate and address the technical issues identified. This may involve revising regulations and standards to ensure the emergency call system is robust and capable of handling modern network demands. Potential steps include exploring the integration of data services into the emergency system and updating network settings to reduce call connection times. The telecommunications industry may also need to collaborate on developing a unified approach to emergency call handling to prevent similar issues in the future.
