BIPT public consultation on uninterrupted emergency call access
The Belgian Institute for Postal Services and Telecommunications (BIPT) has launched a public consultation on a draft Royal Decree and technical annex designed to ensure uninterrupted access to emergency services. This initiative arose following repeated incidents where emergency calls were not properly routed, revealing shortcomings in a system that currently relies on a single network operator.
A proposed new legal provision obliges operators to ensure uninterrupted emergency call access by implementing a redundancy system which requires routing emergency calls through at least two distinct operators, each with direct physical and logical connections to all Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs), along with an automatic redirection mechanism in case of a failure.
Larger operators (holding over 5% of public number allocations) must build and maintain these systems themselves, while smaller operators can use the system of another operator to meet their obligations, ensuring proportional cost distribution. Automated test calls will be made every minute to monitor functionality without impacting real emergency call handling. Operators must maintain voice quality, implement Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems to route calls based on caller needs and location, and generate detailed call records for monitoring.
The system also requires advanced routing and rerouting protocols, including load balancing to prevent congestion and crank back rerouting if PSAP lines are unavailable, with fallback to alternative paths within 20 seconds. The decree also outlines which investment and operational costs will be reimbursed via the Emergency Services Fund to support the system’s deployment and maintenance.
Balancing resilience with competition
While the goal of improving reliability is commendable, the regulatory burden placed on operators risks creating unintended market distortions. The requirement to interconnect with multiple networks and maintain strict technical standards could disadvantage newer or niche providers, reinforcing the dominance of incumbent players. Moreover, while the Emergency Services Fund may offer partial reimbursement, the long-term operational costs of constant automated testing and advanced rerouting infrastructure may ultimately be passed on to consumers. BIPT must ensure that resilience does not come at the cost of competition, innovation, or affordability in the telecom sector.
Stakeholders are invited to submit detailed technical and financial feedback by 26 September 2025.
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