More mobile satellite service (MSS) operators updated the FCC on ...

before and after implementation to inform the Commission of progress and any problems (CD Aug 26 p12). Iridium said it planned to hire a vendor for its emergency call center services. Callers dialing 911 would be routed to the call center where the operator would note the caller’s name, callback number, location and emergency before routing the caller to the nearest public safety answering point(PSAP). Iridium service providers would be notified of the availability of the call centers via written communications, e-mail and Iridium’s Internet-based extranet, Iridium said, and service providers will inform their customers. Stratos told the Commission that 911 calls will be routed to its existing 24-hour call center beginning in Feb. The company said call center employees will be able to differentiate between emergency calls and non-emergency calls by using a system that assigns a priority to each call. Stratos employees will use a PSAP database to determine which PSAP should answer the call, the company said, and a log will be made of the call. Stratos said it will post a notification of the service on its website Nov. 1 and will follow the post with mailings included in Nov., Dec. and Jan. invoices. Stratos said there is “limited availability of commercially available software that allows carriers to access nationwide PSAP contact information.” Also, the company said there have been problems “ensuring that updates to the information contained in this software is timely and accurate.” Meanwhile, Mobile Satellite Ventures (MSV) said its emergency call center was established in 1995 and there have been no significant problems.