AML becomes mandatory in Europe

ETSI has announced that, as of March 17, all smartphones sold in Europe are required to comply with Advanced Mobile Location (AML) for emergency communications.

AML enables the handset to automatically send user location information when contacting the emergency services. It was standardised by the ETSI technical committee on emergency communications (EMTEL) in 2019.

Discussing the solution, a spokesperson for the organisation said: “AML meets the requirements of the Delegated Regulation 2019/320. The legislation specifically requires that smartphones process data from global navigation systems, compatible and interoperable with at least the Galileo system, and Wi-Fi data, to establish the caller's position.

“AML is a protocol to transport the data - using SMS and/or HTTPS - from the smartphone to the emergency call centre. It provides the accurate location of the caller to the public safety answering point.”

Chair of ETSI EMTEL, Cristina Lumbreras, said: “This is a major step for public safety in Europe, as it ensures that smartphones will continue to integrate this life-saving technology. ETSI specification makes it easy for countries to implement AML, requiring minimum investment. For users - as AML is not an app - there is no need to download anything, just dial 112.”

AML is supported by both iOS and Android, and is currently deployed in 30 countries.

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