VIXXI Solutions has developed an online application that 9-1-1 dispatchers can use to pull up location information for VoIP callers in the rare case that only the call-back number or ESQK is delivered. The tool, called VIXXI-NRF (for ‘No Record Found’), saves valuable time over the traditional method of having to call a provider’s help desk in the middle of an emergency situation.

While VoIP 9-1-1 has made huge advances in the last four years, it is still not as reliable as wireline 9-1-1 in delivering location information. VIXXI-NRF provides a stop-gap for VoIP subscribers until Next Generation 9-1-1 is an industry standard, a program that VIXXI, already NG-ready, is actively promoting to ensure the universal effectiveness of the 9-1-1 system.

VIXXI-NRF was first tested in Sacramento County, CA, with promising feedback. “I think this is a great tool for PSAPs and wish that all carriers offered this…I commend [VIXXI for having it available,” says Susan McPherson, Sacramento Country 911 Coordinator. The tool is now being offered by the California 9-1-1 Office on VIXXI’s behalf to all 58 CA County Coordinators. PSAPs are afforded the opportunity to test drive the application first.

In order to protect the privacy of emergency callers and remain compliant with CALEA (The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies), VIXXI stipulates that any subscriber information obtained from the VIXXI database must be in connection with an emergency call and shall be used solely for the purpose of answering, handling, and responding to emergency callers. To enforce this, VIXXI will notify at least two PSAP supervisors/persons of authority when a customer record has been accessed from the database by a PSAP’s user IDs.