Communications technology firm L.R. Kimball has been selected by the State of California to implement Next Generation 911 for its 911 Emergency Communications Division.

The project involves the creation of an Internet Protocol (IP)-enabled network used to identify the location of wireless 911 callers based on geographic coordinates of latitude and longitude. This method of locating callers is referred to as "X-Y" routing. The IP-enabled network will be able to route wireless calls to the appropriate PSAP.

The proposed roadmap identifies the tasks, high-level timelines, key decision points, critical dependencies and work products necessary to implement a NG9-1-1 system throughout California, according to company officials.

The NG9-1-1 implementation places the State of California at the forefront of next generation emergency communications. It will enable California to accept new forms of multimedia such as text, video and photos. The platform will also improve interoperability, call routing, PSAP call overflow and location accuracy.

“We are pleased to be working with the State of California as they embark on the NG9-1-1 journey,” said Joel McCamley, senior vice president, L.R. Kimball, in a statement. “Not only will California's citizens and visitors benefit from this effort, but California's leadership and guidance will bring further credence and clarity to the national conversation about NG9-1-1.”

As part of the project, L.R. Kimball is also providing project management services for numerous counties in northeastern California. This project, according to company officials, is the state's first step toward testing improved location accuracy in a NG9-1-1 network.  

L.R. Kimball is part of CDI Engineering Solutions, a provider of engineering outsourcing, project management and professional services to clients in the aerospace, government services, infrastructure, life sciences and process & industrial markets. 

Earlier last year, the state of New Mexico E911 Program selected L.R. Kimball to conduct a statewide Next Generation 911 cyber security assessment and improvement plan as part of the state's Next Generation 911 planning process, TMCnet reported.