As you know, since April 1, 2018, under EU regulations on the eCall system, all new models of cars and light vans in the Netherlands and other EU countries have had to be equipped with an eCall facility with associated type approval. The technical infrastructure for receiving and processing eCalls in accordance with these regulations has been in place for some time.
Against this background, on the instruction of the ministries concerned, we carried out two field tests in the spring of 2018 together with TNO. During and also outside these tests it was established that the 112 emergency call center was unable to call the vehicle in question back if the call was interrupted. Being able to call a vehicle back is essential for the emergency services.
Consultation with mobile telecom providers revealed that this problem may have various technical and/or commercial causes , which fall under the responsibility of telecom providers and/or vehicle manufacturers within the context of the European eCall regulations.
On October 30, 2019 the Ministry of Infrastructure, Public Works and Water Management, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy and the Ministry of Justice and Security are conducting a third field test with both the telecom and automotive sectors with a view to optimizing the chain for eCall emergency calls.
For more information please contact Tom van Dam.