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Wireless Accuracy Testing Occurring Across MARC Region

March 19, 2008

MARC maintenance technicians have begun the wireless accuracy testing program, which is an objective of the regional Public Safety Strategic Plan.  The goal of the testing is to ensure that the geographic location provided on 67% of all wireless calls made in the region are within 100 meters of the caller’s actual physical location, and 95% of wireless calls are within 300 meters.  All MARC testing will be in compliance with the FCC OET 71 Bulletin requirements.  Following accuracy testing, meetings will be held with each carrier to review the results and establish effective practices toward improving accuracy levels. 

MARC technicians have purchased test phones from the six largest wireless providers, and will make calls from all six phones at random locations throughout the nine-county region.  When a dispatcher receives a test call, the MARC technician will ask him or her to transfer the call to the MARC training PSAP, thereby reducing the time the dispatcher needs to spend on the phone.  MARC technicians will then collect and review the data for further analysis with wireless providers.