Emergency call system in Switzerland is being further developed
The emergency call system is to function more reliably in Switzerland. A new reference model for the transmission of emergency calls shows which standards and services the various players have to fulfill in the process. This will reduce the risk of failures and increase availability for the Swiss population.
In order to improve the system of emergency numbers (112, 117, 118, 144 etc.) in Switzerland, a reference model has been developed on behalf of the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (Uvek) and the Conference of Cantonal Justice and Police Directors. It is intended to serve as a basis for defining the requirements for technical system leadership in the area of emergency calls, as the Federal Office of Communications writes in a media release. The reference model was developed in cooperation with Swisscom, the Conference of Cantonal Police Commanders in Switzerland, the Swiss Fire Service Coordination and the Swiss Rescue Association. Bakom published the reference model on its website on June 20, 2023.
Redundant connection of the emergency call centers
According to the measures identified in the reference model, emergency calls are to be made via a mobile device (cell phone) as a first priority. According to Bakom, in the event of a mobile network failure, available mobile networks of other providers take over the emergency call transmission, which is not the case with fixed network telephony. Moreover, in the case of emergency calls via mobile networks, network operators already support device-based location identification and correct delivery to the relevant and locally responsible emergency call center, according to the statement. A fallback level dedicated solely to emergency calls at the emergency call switchboard and an additional, redundant connection of the emergency call centers by a second provider should further increase the availability of the emergency call system, Bakom writes.
Adjustment of the legal basis
For the mandatory implementation of the reference model, Bakom will prepare an amendment to the Ordinance on Telecommunications Services (FDV).
In 2020, as is well known, various failures occurred with emergency calls. As a result, the Committee for Transport and Telecommunications of the Council of States commissioned the Federal Council with a motion to create the basis for technical system leadership in the area of emergency calls (motion KVF-S 21.3000).
In the revision of the FDV, Bakom will also insert provisions that enable barrier-free access to emergency calls for people with a hearing impairment. This is demanded by various motions on the further development and digitization of Swiss emergency calls, which were adopted by the parliament with a clear majority (motions 21.3064 and 21.3068: Digitization and further development of Swiss emergency calls), as the Bakom announcement concludes.
