Attachment D: Tracking a Wireless 511 Call
Caller "A" dials 511 from a wireless telephone.
Caller uses "included" airtime minutes to make the call, or "minutes" depending on their calling plan.
In many cases, there are no toll charges within the metropolitan area.
Carriers in certain metropolitan areas have been convinced to provide access to ATIS services "free" of airtime charges as a public service.
Wireless telephone company switching office translates 511 call to a local 7 or 10-digit number. Call is sent on to ATIS service center via local landline connection.
In many areas, wireless carriers do not charge "toll" rates for calls within their "local" coverage area. This area can be much wider than what is considered local for a landline call.
Wireless callers are therefore able to carry the call a longer distance without charging toll rates to the caller.
Call is answered at ATIS service center through automated voice response system.
In all cases, the cost for providing the physical lines to answer the calls is borne by the Service provider or providing agency.
Call may be forwarded to other partner agencies.
The cost of forwarding the call is borne by the service provider or providing agency.
Airtime minutes continue to accrue as long as the caller remains on the line. Depending on the calling plan, the caller may be charged for this airtime, or use "included" minutes from their monthly plan.
Using only a Toll-Free backbone for a 511 service will result in wireless calls being charged to the service provider or providing agency even if the caller is paying airtime charges for the call. |
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