Optus Audit Uncovers 40-60 Second Lag in Emergency Call Links
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Brief Overview
- Emergency calls via Optus face a 40-60 second delay during rerouting.
- This delay impacts both Apple and Samsung mobile devices.
- The ‘camp-on’ method aims to ensure that calls are passed along through accessible networks.
- The triple zero system may be outdated, originally designed for 2G and 3G technologies.
- There is mounting pressure on the government to refresh emergency call standards.
In-Depth Examination of Optus’ Emergency Call Delays
An inquiry into the September outage at Optus uncovered delays between 40 to 60 seconds in rerouting emergency calls through alternative networks. This delay is part of a regulated ‘camp-on’ process designed to guarantee that triple zero calls can connect to any available network if the main mobile service fails.
Impact on Devices and Caller Experience
This delay affects users of both Apple and Samsung devices, potentially leading to callers disconnecting before their calls are successfully routed. Dr. Kerry Schott’s review pointed out that such lengthy connection times are undesirable, highlighting the necessity for increased public awareness surrounding this matter.
Obsolescence of the System and Needed Updates
According to Schott’s review, the triple zero system, developed for 2G and 3G networks, may not be compatible with today’s advanced network technologies and device innovations. Calls have been made for government investigation and potential updates to the regulations and standards governing emergency call systems.
Technical Insights and Suggestions
The review indicated that when a primary voice gateway fails, devices seek alternative connections based on their specifications and network configurations. During the Optus outage, a temporary 10-second timeout was applied to mitigate a specific issue with Google Pixel 6A users, which has now been changed back to a 600-second timeout.
Conclusion
The delay in emergency calls on the Optus network underscores an urgent need to update the triple zero system. The industry’s dependence on outdated infrastructure and methods poses significant risks during emergencies, mandating a review of regulatory standards and technical adjustments to ensure swift emergency response.
Questions & Answers
Q: What does the ‘camp-on’ process entail?
A: ‘Camp-on’ is a regulated procedure that guarantees routing of emergency calls through any accessible network when the primary network is compromised.
Q: Why do emergency calls take 40 to 60 seconds to connect?
A: The delay is a result of the time required for devices to reroute calls in the absence of the primary network.
Q: Which devices are impacted by this delay?
A: Both Apple and Samsung devices experience this delay under certain conditions.
Q: What changes are being proposed for the triple zero system?
A: There are suggestions to modernize the system to match contemporary network capabilities and potentially incorporate data services.
Q: How has Optus reacted to these findings?
A: Optus has reverted its emergency call timeout setting from 10 seconds to 600 seconds.
Q: What actions is the government expected to take regarding the findings?
A: The government faces pressure to investigate and revise emergency call standards and regulations.
