The Importance of Emergency Information in VoIP Services
When offering VoIP phone services to businesses or residential customers, it is crucial to provide them with essential information about emergency call capabilities. At Skyetel, we prioritize equipping our VoIP providers, resellers, and wholesale agents with the knowledge they need to answer common questions about emergency information effectively. A frequently asked question is:
Differentiating ALI and ANI Databases
What Are ANI and ALI?
The Automatic Number Identification (ANI) is a feature that enables the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) to automatically display the telephone number of the line that makes a 911 call. This automatic display helps emergency responders quickly identify the source of the call.
On the other hand, the Automatic Location Identification (ALI) database plays a pivotal role by storing the telephone numbers along with their corresponding physical locations. This database is typically managed by the local exchange carrier (LEC).
How ANI and ALI Work Together
Consider a scenario reminiscent of a classic crime drama. When a 911 call is made, the PSAP operator glances at a screen that displays the caller's address, reassuringly stating, "Help is on the way." In this instance, the PSAP utilizes the ANI to extract the caller's physical address from the ALI database. Moreover, the ANI serves as a callback number in case the connection with the distressed caller is lost. These functionalities are integral components of Enhanced 911 (E911) services.
The Structure and Management of ALI Databases
Traditional E911 Service and ALI Record Maintenance
In traditional E911 services, ALI records are stored in regional ALI databases, which are typically managed by the local exchange carrier. When a phone's physical location changes, it becomes necessary to update the regional ALI database with the new location information. This update process can take up to 48 hours.
Challenges with IP Phones and Regional ALI Databases
IP phones introduce unique challenges in maintaining accurate ALI records. Unlike traditional telephone numbers, which are static, IP phones are highly portable. This mobility requires users to notify a network administrator when relocating, prompting the administrator to contact the LEC to update the phone's location in the ALI database. Unfortunately, this process is time-consuming and can be easily overlooked by users.
Moreover, IP phones can move to regions governed by different ALI databases. In such cases, VoIP service providers or enterprises must establish agreements with each LEC to ensure updates across various regional ALI databases as phones traverse across the country.
The Implications for Emergency Response
Maintaining Accurate Location Information
The nomadic nature of VoIP users poses significant challenges for regional ALI databases to consistently maintain up-to-date location information. This lack of guaranteed accuracy can have serious consequences during emergencies, where precise location data is crucial for timely and effective response.
In conclusion, understanding the intricacies of ANI and ALI databases is vital for VoIP service providers and users alike. By recognizing the potential challenges and limitations associated with IP phones and regional ALI databases, stakeholders can take proactive steps to ensure the reliability and accuracy of emergency services for all users.
