Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for generating and displaying various user interfaces for configuring one or more call handling rules associated with managing virtual PBX services rendered at an extension are described. The user interfaces can be used to configure virtual PBX services for a single- or multi-extension environment. The virtual PBX services can provide, for example, a main number, and calls made to the main number can be managed according to one or more sets of call handling rules associated with the virtual PBX services and which can be configured through the user interfaces. The user interfaces can be web-based interfaces accessible through a browser, and can be accessed only after a user or administrator has setup and activated the virtual PBX services.

Abstract: An emergency services key (e.g., ESQK or ESRK) is guaranteed to be available from a limited size ESQK pool. A plurality of ESQKs are grouped into a pool of emergency service keys “ESQK Pool ID”, each including anywhere from 1 to N number of ESQKs. Each ESQK preferably has a “Timestamp”, information relating to the specific emergency E911 call (“Call Data ID”), a guard timer, and an optional hold timer. The ESQK having a Call Data ID=“NULL”, and having the oldest Timestamp, is chosen for selection. If no such ESQK has both Call Data ID=NULL and the oldest Timestamp is found, then the ESQK with merely the oldest Timestamp is selected. The timestamp is reset to a current time plus a guard timer, or hold timer if desired.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method to locate a mobile device in an emergency situation. The mobile device includes a display device, a user interface to receive an emergency mode request from a user, and a processor. The processor may be configured to execute instructions to implement an emergency mode process based upon the receipt of the emergency mode request from the user. The emergency mode process is implemented to: monitor received signals to locate a base station, wherein, once a base station is located, a short emergency message is transmitted to the base station including the location of the mobile device. The emergency mode process is further implemented to: monitor received signals to receive an acknowledgement signal from the base station; and reduce a plurality of first non-essential functions of the mobile device to reduce power consumption.

Abstract: A system to receive, from a user device, a request to establish a communication session to allow an emergency call to be placed or transferred to a public safety access point (PSAP) server; determine whether the request includes a first indication that the emergency call is being initiated via the user device or a second indication that the emergency call is being handed off from a base station associated with another network device, place the emergency call, to the PSAP server and via a first gateway device associated with the network device, when the request includes the first indication; and transfer the emergency call, to the PSAP server and via a second gateway device associated with the other network device, when the request includes the second indication, where the second gateway device processed the emergency call prior to being handed off from the base station.

Abstract: An E-9-1-1 voice-over-IP (VoIP) solution is provided wherein a 911 call from a wireless VoIP device is routed directly to the correct Public Safety Answer Point (PSAP) via dedicated trunks, together with correct location information and call-back number. VoIP gateways are implemented locally, at least one per LATA, and accept VoIP packetized data inbound, and convert it to standard wireline voice calls. Calls are routed to an IP address at the VoIP gateway, which then egresses the call to a voice port at a selective router. Dedicated voice trunks (CAMA, SS7, FG-D) are installed between each local VoIP gateway and appropriate selective routers. An Automatic Location Identification (ALI) database is provisioned with ESRKs dedicated for VoIP use. TCP/IP circuits may be established between some or all of the various local VoIP gateways.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to guide an emergency dispatcher in responding to emergency calls involving an active assailant. The systems and methods can include an emergency police dispatch protocol configured to facilitate rapid, uniform, and consistent handling of events involving active assailants. The emergency police dispatch protocol includes one or more dispatch protocols configured for particular incidents or emergency situations, such as to aid the dispatcher in processing calls relating to active assailants. The emergency police dispatch protocol presents a pre-scripted interrogation, including preprogrammed inquiries for a dispatcher to ask the caller. The pre-scripted interrogation of the dispatch protocol facilitates rapid, uniform, and consistent responses to incidents with active assailants. The dispatch protocol may facilitate deployment of responders as quickly as possible to active assailant events and update responders with information as it is gathered.

Abstract: An emergency notification system includes a first server for receiving a communication from a telecommunications network and for transmitting a message to a subscriber of the notification system. The system also includes a second server in communication with the first server, the second server for supplying the first server with information associated with a subscriber.

Abstract: A call center for handling requests for medical transportation utilizes a system that assists a call center agent by automatically determining, or prompting the agent to ask for, all information needed to assess the level of service required and the effects of any applicable contractual provisions. The system captures information relating to the patient and the requested transportation, and applies service level rules representing the applicable regulatory requirements for medical transportation at the location of the patient to determine the required level of service based on the patient's condition and needs. The system further applies business rules representing the contractual provisions that are applicable to the requested transportation to determine responsibility for the cost of transportation, the authority of the requester to change the level of service or other aspects of the transportation, and the responsibility for the cost of transportation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for managing an emergency call between a terminal and a network by using a non-access stratum protocol in a mobile communication network. A method for providing an emergency call service by a terminal in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of: enabling the terminal to transmit an access request message including an emergency call identifier to a mobility management entity; enabling the terminal to attempt to authenticate the mobility management entity after the step of transmitting the access request message; enabling the terminal to receive an access grant message including the emergency call identifier from the mobility management entity; and enabling the terminal which receives the access grant message, to provide an emergency call service through the mobility management entity. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the emergency call is enabled.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for emergency call support. In one aspect there is provided a method. The method may include a home subscriber server receiving a first message comprising a generated value representing a session transfer number. The session transfer number may relate to a transfer of an emergency session from a first network to a second network. The method may further comprise a home subscriber server updating a user profile with the generated value representing the session transfer number for the emergency session. The user profile may be stored in the home subscriber server. The method may further comprise a home subscriber server sending a second message comprising the generated value representing the session transfer number. Related apparatus, systems, methods, and articles are also described.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing emergency services protocols to a emergency service call taker are disclosed herein. A public safety answering point receives an emergency service phone call from a caller. The caller is placed in voice communication with an emergency call handler. The system monitors the voice communication between the caller and the emergency call handler.

Abstract: Contemplated devices and methods employ a system in which at least two receivers are configured to receive at the same time a first and a second emergency signal via a first and a second communication pathway, respectively. The device further has a control unit that is programmed to assign priority to one channel of one communication pathway over at least one channel of the other communication pathway, wherein priority assignment is performed on the basis of geographic location and a set of predefined rules. Most preferably, the location of the device is automatically determined using global positioning signals and/or digital television signals.

Abstract: In conjunction with the dial-up public telephone system, voice quality lines carry videophone signals for monitoring a multitude of locations from at least one central station for use in a variety of applications, such as for security, surveillance, quality control and inspection, regulation of food and/or other standards in food-related and other facilities, market research, remote monitoring of deposit and withdrawal of funds at bank vaults, grocery chains, convenience stores, and the like. At the central station, telephonic interface apparatus is actuated by a control unit to selectively accomplish a telephonic connection with a remote location. Displays include the scene at the remote location and related graphic data. During routine operation, remote locations are displayed in sequence to at least one operator. Such operation may be interrupted either from a remote location or central station in the event of an urgency.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the storage and retrieval of originating caller location information in an emergency services system are disclosed. Subscriber information from a telephone service provider is received by a NG-911 service provider, the subscriber information including a subscriber telephone number and an associated subscriber address. The service provider generates geo-spatial coordinates corresponding to said subscriber address and stores the subscriber information and the corresponding geo-spatial data in a geographic information system (GIS) database, indexed at least according to said subscriber telephone number. In response to a query from a PSAP relating to an emergency service call originating from the subscriber telephone number, the NG-911 service provider queries the GIS database for the originating telephone number and returns the geo-spatial coordinates and the associated subscriber address.

Abstract: A response center or other entity maintains in electronic storage records of trust relationships between parties. In an example method of operating a call center, personal profiles of clients of a service of the call center are maintained. At least some of the profiles include contact information for entities in trusted networks of the respective clients. An inquiry can be received from an inquiring party, inquiring whether a particular entity is trusted by a particular client. An electronic message is automatically sent to the inquiring part indicating whether or not the particular entity is trusted. In some implementations, entities may be assigned levels of trustedness.

Abstract: A microprocessor-based emergency response communication system used to call and communicate with the 9-1-1 operator and also allows emergency responder's immediate access to a user's Critical Health Information Profile stored in the device at the point and location of crisis. The device is used to create individual Critical Health Information Profiles which is Health Level-7 compliant enabling it to seamlessly communicate with major hospital networks worldwide. This functional capability provides a system that can retrieve and transmit user-stored personal and health information by emergency responders at the point of care. The emergency responder can access the customer's Critical Health Information Profile database, review the data for pertinent information and then transmit that data to a designated receiving hospital or medical center. The device provides an electronic means of dialing and communicating directly with the 9-1-1 operator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provides for multiparty participation and management in text messaging sessions. The method includes a server establishing a text messaging session, which establishes a media path for exchanging text messages between a caller device and a single device having a device identifier known to the caller device, wherein the session is established in response to a call from the caller device. The server further joins multiple responding devices to the text messaging session, receives text messages from the multiple responding devices, and sends, over the media path to the caller device, a set of text messages based on the text messages received from the multiple responding devices.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for handling an emergency service in a network communication, including: sending, by an emergency service initiating side, an emergency service identifier together with an emergency service to a network side; and allocating, by the network side, resource to the emergency service with a priority higher than those of normal services. With the present invention, a corresponding emergency service may be identified effectively in a network provided with an independent bearer-control-layer entity, and a resource may be allocated to the emergency service in accordance with a special resource allocation policy. Therefore, it is possible to guarantee the connectivity and the resource for the emergency service as requested in the network, and hence to reduce an unexpected and unnecessary loss.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for handling emergency calls. According to one embodiment, handling an emergency call can comprise receiving an emergency call from a calling number, determining whether the calling number has been ported from an original geographic location to a new geographic location, determining a spatial location for the calling number based at least in part on whether the calling number has been ported, identifying a public safety system for handling the emergency call based on the determined spatial location for the calling number, and routing the emergency call to the identified public safety system. Identifying the public safety system for handling the emergency call can comprise using a point-in-polygon check of the determined spatial location for the calling number against known spatial boundaries for a plurality of public safety systems.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for IP-based call answering point selection and routing. When an IP-based call is placed to an answering point such as, for example, a Public Safety Answering Point a location for the caller can not be determined using traditional DNIS and ANI based techniques. In the present invention, a geographic location (geolocation) for the caller is determined, from as IP address associated with the caller, using a database. The database comprises information obtained from a plurality of IP location sources (e.g. Skyhook Wireless Inc.'s Loki™, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) mandated WiFi™ hotspot registration data). An answering point is selected from a plurality of answering points as a function of the caller's location. The call is routed to the selected answering point and the caller's location information is provided to that answering point.

Abstract: A prank call server that performs 911 prank call filtering over a 911 emergency call system, prior to routing a 911 call to a PSAP. The inventive prank call server identifies prank calling devices, regardless of current service subscription, by retrieving and analyzing emergency call data pertaining to detected prank 911 calls. The prank call server assigns a unique global identifier to each 911 call detected on the 911 emergency call system. Unique global identifiers enable a PSAP to uniquely identify prank 911 calls that are identified thereon. A PSAP transmits a prank call signal and a relevant unique global identifier to the prank call server, for each prank 911 call that is detected. A prank call signal/unique global identifier combination triggers the prank call server to store all available call data for a referenced prank 911 call in to a prank call database, for subsequent prank call filtering analysis.

Abstract: A method for determining a responsible service area for a service request call, the service request call including a civic address indicating locus of origin of the service request call, includes: (a) accessing a geographic information system database relating to the locus of origin to identify a street line segment containing the civic address; (b) determining whether the street line segment is wholly contained within any polygon; (c) when the street line segment is wholly contained within a respective polygon, presenting the respective polygon as the responsible service area; and (d) when the street line segment is not wholly contained within the respective polygon, (1) recording a data deficiency identifying the non-containment as a polygon-segment error, (2) determining an estimated locus of the civic address on the street line segment in a resulting polygon containing the estimated locus, and (3) presenting the resulting polygon as the responsible service area.

Abstract: A system and method that routes special number calls from communications devices, including VoIP communications devices, to an answering point that is selected based on a parameter. A peering network effects parameter-based routing of calls to a pre-assigned answering point, wherein the voice path and the signaling paths are set up simultaneously. A gateway in the peering network is connected to the service provider switch and receives special number calls. The gateway queries a pre-provisioned parameter server that determines call routing information for the particular communications device. The gateway then selects another gateway, or, optionally, a selective router access provider network, based on the routing information and delivers the call thereto. The other gateway or selective router access provider network is connected to a router in the destination network and delivers the call and the call parameters to the router.

Abstract: A voice based emergency call, such as a call to 911, is provided to a public safety answering point (PSAP) triggered from a non-voice based emergency call. When a non-voice based call is sent to a PSAP that does not accept non-voice based calls, upon determining that the PSAP cannot handle non-voice based calls, the communication network is utilized to establish a voice based call with the PSAP.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems are provided such that a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) may utilize a new model to handle Open Line emergency calls, including audio optimization, automation, analysis, and presentation. Embodiments of the present disclosure assist with the difficult task of identifying background noise while trying to listen and talk to a caller, and give the best possible audio from the caller to the emergency call-taker or dispatcher. More particularly, an audio stream is split into at least two instances, with a first instance being optimized for speech intelligibility and provided to a call-taker or dispatcher and a second instance being provided for background sound analysis. Accordingly, the new PSAP Open Line model may allow for significantly more efficient emergency assessment, location, and management of resources.

Abstract: A method for supporting an emergency call in a mobile communication system is provided, which comprises the steps of: receiving, at a radio resource management entity, a message from a UE indicating that there is an emergency call; setup a RRC connection between the UE and the radio resource management entity; transmitting, by the radio resource management entity, a message to its upper-layer node, the message containing an emergency service indication; and establishing, by the upper-layer node of the radio resource management entity, the emergency call for the UE. With the method for supporting an emergency service in a mobile communication system provided in the present invention, the access failure of an emergency service can be reduced, and the access speed of the emergency service can be increased.

Abstract: The tracking and monitoring system for opencast mines of the present invention enables continuously tracking and monitoring vehicles and moveable equipment in opencast mines using ZigBee-enabled active RFID devices forming a dynamic wireless network among them and other static and mobile ZigBee devices placed at strategic locations. The present invention provides a tracking and monitoring system for opencast mines comprises in combination of ZigBee-compliant devices (programmable to operate as end devices, routers and coordinators by hardware specific embedded software) and wireless sensor network software having various application modules for opencast mines. Use of the system of the present invention would help in maintaining computerized record and analysing the performance of costly shovels and dumpers deployed in opencast mines. This would help in optimising the placement of dumpers with each shovel depending on the change in working and dumping places.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for machine-type communication (MTC) in a wireless communication system. An MTC device receives, from a base station, a notification message which notifies of the reception of an MTC message, and transmits a reception confirmation message indicating whether or not the MTC message is received.

Abstract: An emergency call handling system can provide emergency call routing and processing that compliments or modifies the routing and processing provided by conventional enhanced 911 (E-911) and next generation 911 (NG-911) systems. Both the routing and processing can be based on rule sets detailed in emergency call handling profiles (ECHPs). Any entity (e.g., SIP servers, switches, terminals, etc.) within the system can process and route the emergency call by executing the rule sets within the ECHPs associated with the call. The ECHPs are delivered to the entities within the system by value or by reference. A SIP server, e.g., may execute all or a subset of the rule set, and may communicate with an application server to execute other subsets of the rule set.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely controlling one or more monitoring devices in a user's household in the event of emergency so as to more productively monitor the emergency situation on a real-time basis. The monitoring devices may include a number of multimedia instruments such as a telephone with an answering machine, a computer with a built-in digital camera, a video recording device, a cellular phone with an integrated digital camera, etc. An emergency service provider may remotely activate the monitoring devices in the user's vicinity upon receiving an emergency help request from the user, and receive the information sent by the monitoring devices to enable the service personnel to plan appropriate response to the emergency at hand. Such an arrangement allows for better monitoring of the user's vicinity in an emergency situation without the need for prolonged user participation in narrating or describing the emergency situation.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to guide an emergency dispatcher in responding to emergency calls involving an active assailant. The systems and methods can include an emergency police dispatch protocol configured to facilitate rapid, uniform, and consistent handling of events involving active assailants. The emergency police dispatch protocol includes one or more dispatch protocols configured for particular incidents or emergency situations, such as to aid the dispatcher in processing calls relating to active assailants. The emergency police dispatch protocol presents a pre-scripted interrogation, including preprogrammed inquiries for a dispatcher to ask the caller. The pre-scripted interrogation of the dispatch protocol facilitates rapid, uniform, and consistent responses to incidents with active assailants. The dispatch protocol may facilitate deployment of responders as quickly as possible to active assailant events and update responders with information as it is gathered.

Abstract: Automatic Location Indication (ALI) data is digitally transferred from a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) to a first responder via a web site accessed by the first responder. The web site lists each live E911 call within their jurisdiction, and appends the caller's ALI and/or other location data relative to each call. Preferably the first responders (e.g., police car, paramedic, ambulance, fire truck, etc.) can view not only the emergency caller's information for those E911 calls that they are responding to, but also information about other emergency callers that other first responders are responding to. This facilitates the actual response to individual emergency calls as well as the overall management of multiple responders to multiple emergency calls.

Abstract: A computer system manages emergency calls. The computer system receives an emergency call from a computing device along with a location of the computing device. The computer system determines that the location of the computing device is within a geographic area surrounding a location of a previously reported incident and sends a notification of the previously reported incident to the computer device. The computer system receives an indication from the computing device that the emergency call is related to the previously reported incident. Responsive to receiving the indication that the emergency call is related to the previously reported incident, the computer system handles the emergency call as a duplicative report of a known emergency.

Abstract: In a VoIP system, a method and apparatus for tracking emergency callers is provided. A VoIP service provider network includes a plurality of VoIP phones and is connected to an emergency service provider system. The emergency service provider system includes a call server connected to the VoIP service provider network; a subscriber database; a VPC SBC; and a media gateway for connection to a PSTN. The call server is adapted to receive an emergency call from a VoIP telephone in the VoIP network; verify if the SIP URI has a DID bound to the SIP URI; if the SIP URI does not have a DID bound to the SIP URI, obtain a temporary DID from a DID pool and temporarily bind the temporary DID to the SIP URI; and forward the call to an appropriate PSAP in the PSTN. Should the emergency call be dropped, a person at the PSAP can call back the emergency caller without unnecessary delays.

Abstract: System and methods for communicating with a contact center are disclosed. A method includes: receiving a first message from a user equipment (UE), wherein the first message is received via a first communications protocol; transmitting a second message to a computing device of a contact center, wherein the second message is transmitted via a second communications protocol and optionally includes location information for the UE; and receiving a reply message from the computing device of the contact center.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes evaluating, using an analysis module of a public safety analysis system, user-generated content associated with at least one content source; identifying, using the analysis module of the public safety analysis system, a putative public safety incident based at least in part on the evaluation of the user-generated content; and providing, using an output module of the public safety analysis system, a representation of the putative public safety incident to a client of the public safety analysis system.

Abstract: A device receives an emergency call via a session initiation protocol (SIP) invite that includes a cell identification (ID) and a service or device type associated with a user equipment (UE). The device determines, based on the service or device type, whether the UE is a fixed device or a wireless device, and uses a static approach to route the emergency call to a public safety answering point (PSAP) when the UE is a fixed device. The device uses a cell database to route the emergency call to the PSAP, based on the cell ID, when the UE is a wireless device.

Abstract: A method and system for dispatching calls using a packet network is disclosed. The use of distributed call management modules, enables various communication systems, such as RF and PSTN systems, to communicate with each other over the IP network. Audio devices from the various communication systems are each assigned an IP multicast group. Distributed call management modules covert signals from the audio devices into IP packets and transmit the IP packets to designated IP multicast groups over the IP network.

Abstract: A system and method that tests emergency services location information and provides virtually instantaneous feed-back to a technician in the field, monitoring center or both. A location of a mobile communications device is determined by the technician via independent means and a call is placed to a special test number. When an element in the mobile network receives the call, it recognizes the special number and obtains location information regarding the mobile communications device by the means currently employed in the art for emergency services calls. The location information is delivered back to the calling mobile communications device, where it is compared to the previously-determined location. The two locations may then be stored on the mobile communications device, forwarded to a monitoring center or both.

Abstract: Information received from a first responder on the scene of an emergency event is automatically distributed and managed by an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) via various combinations of emails, databases, Internet Protocol (IP) networks, speech to text converters, and distribution systems. In one example embodiment, information is provided by a first responder via an IP network. The first responder has access to various services such as, instant messaging, Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC), Presence information, location based services, wireless priority services, multimedia priority services, voice of IP (VoIP), or a combination thereof. The information provided by the first responder, via the IP network is stored in an EOC database for access by various EOC related entities. In another example embodiment, information provided by a first responder is converted from speech to text, and the text is stored in an EOC database for access by various EOC related entities.

Abstract: Delivery of alarm system event data and audio over hybrid networks is described. In one embodiment, delivering alarm system event data includes detecting an alarm event and communicating alarm event data to a message processing gateway, evaluating service parameters of the alarm system and conditions of the alarm event data, forwarding the alarm event data and a voice channel code to a telecommunications switch, and opening a voice channel between the telecommunications switch and a central alarm monitoring station. In other aspects, delivering alarm system event data and connecting a voice channel further includes determining whether the voice channel remains open, forwarding a routing code to the alarm system, opening a voice channel between the alarm system and the telecommunications switch, and bridging the voice channel between the telecommunications switch and the central alarm monitoring station and the voice channel between the alarm system and the telecommunications switch.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems are provided such that a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) may utilize a new model to handle Open Line emergency calls, including audio optimization, automation, analysis, and presentation. Embodiments of the present disclosure assist with the difficult task of identifying background noise while trying to listen and talk to a caller, and give the best possible audio from the caller to the emergency call-taker or dispatcher. More particularly, an audio stream is split into at least two instances, with a first instance being optimized for speech intelligibility and provided to a call-taker or dispatcher and a second instance being provided for background sound analysis. Accordingly, the new PSAP Open Line model may allow for significantly more efficient emergency assessment, location, and management of resources.

Abstract: A method includes receiving multiple alarm messages, each being associated with a failure associated with a service feature available within a telecommunication network. A failure rate for a type of failure having a common set of service feature failure characteristics is determined from the alarm messages received. When the failure rate exceeds a threshold, a maintenance ticket is generated automatically.

Abstract: A method for providing continued answering of special number calls intended for delivery via a plurality of communication networks to a primary special number answering position when the primary special number answering position is abandoned includes: (a) determining at least one pre-identified alternate special number answering position; (b) ascertaining that the primary special number answering position is abandoned; and (c) directing each routing entity of each respective communication network of the plurality of communication networks to route calls intended for the primary special number answering position to at least one selected alternate special number answering position of the at least one pre-identified alternate special number answering position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technique for facilitating emergency services via packet networks. Emergency service providers will implement emergency proxies to ensure that proper call setup requests for emergency services are forwarded to the appropriate entities, even if those entities are in overload conditions. The emergency proxies may authenticate and filter call setup requests to ensure that only proper call setup requests are forwarded to help prevent such overload conditions. The emergency proxies may operate solely in a packet network, as well as at the interface between a packet network and a circuit-switched network to assist in call setup requests originating from either the packet network or the circuit-switched network.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer readable medium comprising instructions for providing temporary callback number for emergency calls is disclosed. A determination is made as to whether a restriction is imposed on a mobile user for incoming calls. A temporary callback number for the mobile user is generated if the restriction is imposed. A request for a callback to the mobile user comprising the temporary callback number is detected. The callback is routed to the mobile user using the temporary callback number.

Abstract: A method for providing continued answering of special number calls intended for delivery via a plurality of communication networks to a primary special number answering position when the primary special number answering position is persistently busy includes: (a) determining at least one pre-identified alternate special number answering position; (b) ascertaining that the primary special number answering position is persistently busy; and (c) directing each routing entity of each respective communication network of the plurality of communication networks to route calls intended for the primary special number answering position to at least one selected alternate special number answering position of the at least one pre-identified alternate special number answering position.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to emergency services and more particularly, to a temporary callback system for emergency calls and methods thereof. In one illustrative embodiment, the system can include a private branch exchange (PBX) or other processing device having a pool of callback identities. When an emergency call is made, a callback identity can be temporarily assigned to the device making the call. The callback identity can provide insurance that the call is maintained. If the call between the device and answering point becomes abandoned or disconnected, the callback identity can be used to re-establish the connection. The callback identity can be released when cleared by the answering point or when a time limit expires. After being released, the callback identity can be made available to other devices that wish to make emergency calls.

Abstract: A method for establishing an emergency call between a user equipment within a radio coverage area and one of at least two points able to answer the call, the method comprising: receiving said emergency call request; determining a first estimate of the position of said user equipment within said coverage area; interrupting said call establishment by triggering a control point; and using the control point to select, based on said first position estimate, which one of said at least two answering points the call is established with.

Abstract: A telephone line status notification system including at least one telephone line having a status, a communications network, at least one communications terminal which is connectable to the communications network and which is employable by a seeking user to communicate via the communications network a status request concerning the status of the at least one telephone line, apparatus for processing the status request the apparatus for processing is connectable to the communications network for receiving the status request from the seeking user therethrough and communicating the request, and apparatus for acquiring the status of the at least one telephone line, the apparatus for acquiring is in communication with the apparatus for processing for receiving the status request therefrom, and the apparatus for acquiring is connectable to the communications network for communicating the status via the communications network.