Operators at Triple Zero will have more accurate information on an emergency caller's precise location under new mobile technology unveiled today by the Morrison Government.
Advanced Mobile Location (AML) technology is now available for Australians calling Triple Zero on mobile phones.
AML is a technology that allows mobile phones to send more precise location coordinates when a call to Triple Zero is made. Triple Zero receives up to 27,000 calls nationally each day and around 78 per cent of these calls originate from a mobile phone.
AML technology will assist emergency services to locate those needing help faster. It is more accurate than the current method of locating callers via adjacent telecommunications infrastructure, which also cannot assist in many regional and remote areas. It will be of particular benefit when an emergency caller is unable to state their location because of injury or other reasons.
The AML capability has been automatically activated on Android mobile devices running Android operating system 4.1 and higher with Google Play Services installed. Apple iPhone users will need to update their operating system to use iOS 14.3 to enable the AML capability within their device. iOS 14.3 is available on the iPhone 6s device and above.
"AML uses the same location technology that smartphones users take advantage of everyday when looking up directions, ordering food through a delivery service or using a ride share service," said Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP.
"I encourage iPhone users to update their device to the iOS14.3 operating system to activate the AML capability when calling Triple Zero."
Telstra is responsible for the operation of Triple Zero and has been working with Apple and Google to test AML for iPhone and Android devices, as well as with the mobile carriers and emergency service organisations, including NSW Police and NSW Fire and Rescue. The Minister thanked all organisations involved in delivering AML.
