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Built-In Geolocation for Emergency Calling

15, Oct 2025

We’ve added built-in geolocation support for emergency calls (911/933). Devices can now pass latitude and longitude in SIP headers, and Telnyx automatically constructs a PIDF-LO and delivers it to emergency services. This means that smartwatches, wearables, and IoT-enabled devices can now share precise geolocation data during emergency calls without complex integrations or PIDF-LO construction by the device itself.

What’s new

  • Lat/Long passthrough on 911/933: Include coordinates in SIP; Telnyx builds the PIDF-LO for you.
  • Automatic PSAP routing: Calls route to the nearest Public Safety Answering Point based on provided coordinates.
  • Device-friendly setup: Works with smartwatches, wearables, vehicle telematics, safety devices, and IoT endpoints.

How it works (for implementers):

  1. Device places a 911 or 933 call and includes lat/long in SIP headers.
  2. Telnyx constructs a PIDF-LO from the coordinates and attaches it to the call.
  3. The emergency network uses the location to pinpoint the caller.
  4. The call is routed to the correct local PSAP for rapid response.

Why it matters

  • Instant emergency localization: Real-time coordinates speed up dispatch and response.
  • Simplified integration: We handle PIDF-LO formatting and delivery.
  • Production-ready for connected devices: Ideal for fall detection, crash alerts, lone-worker safety, and more.
  • Nationwide coverage: Seamless routing to the correct PSAP across the U.S.

Example use cases:

  • Wearables and health monitors: Automatic fall or anomaly detection calling 911 with precise location.
  • Vehicle telematics: Crash events trigger emergency calls with exact coordinates.
  • Enterprise safety and lone-worker: One-tap SOS with accurate outdoor location.
  • Consumer safety apps: In-app 911 with built-in location fidelity.

Getting started

  1. Sign up / log in to the Telnyx Mission Control Portal.
  2. Enable emergency calling on your numbers/endpoints as required.
  3. Contact [email protected] to enable PIDFLO on the phone number.
  4. Update your device/app to include these SIP headers for 911/933:
Geolocation: <cid:[email protected]>
X-Latitude: latitude
X-Longitude: longitude

Example

Geolocation: <cid:[email protected]>
X-Latitude: -45.08
X-Longitude: 30.345
  1. Test to validate PIDF-LO delivery and location readout.

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