New rules for location data accuracy in emergency calls (112)
Austria's telecom regulator sets standards for how accurately mobile and fixed-line providers must report the caller's location to emergency services. Providers must achieve 70% accuracy by law; from 1 January 2028, the target rises to 80%.
What changed
A new regulation establishes minimum accuracy requirements for location information passed to emergency call centers (EENA – Emergency Service Access Point). For fixed-line calls, providers must supply the physical address including postcode, street, house number, and apartment details. For mobile calls, the location must be accurate within 50 metres horizontally.
Who is affected
All telephone service providers (fixed-line, mobile, and internet-based) operating in Austria that handle emergency calls to 112. These include the major carriers and smaller internet-calling companies offering 112 access.
What to look out for
Providers must report failed location attempts (cases where accuracy standards are not met) to the RTR (Austria's telecom regulator) within two working days using an electronic form. From 1 January 2028, the 80% accuracy target becomes mandatory, so providers should prepare technical upgrades now.