eCall is a technology designed to provide rapid assistance to drivers involved in an accident anywhere in Europe. The system operates via an in-vehicle system (IVS) equipped with sensors that, when triggered, can place an emergency call to the European emergency number, 112. In addition to the voice call, a Minimum Set of Data (MSD) — comprising location coordinates, number of passengers, and vehicle direction — is transmitted to the PSAP via the same connection. Beta 80 has been at the vanguard of implementing a comprehensive eCall solution for PSAPs, with installations in numerous countries.
Next Generation eCall: what will change
Next Generation eCall represents a significant advancement from the current system, which is based on 2G and 3G technology. As these networks are being phased out and 4G/5G based on IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) is taking over, there is an opportunity to adopt a more efficient eCall system. In accordance with the current European guidelines, PSAPs must be capable of supporting NG eCall by 1 January 2026. The key advantages of this new technology include:
Enhanced transfer of MSD data
Integration of supplementary media during the call
Beta 80's experience with eCall: from the first pilot project to today
Beta 80 Group is a pioneer in the study of eCall technology, having developed the first Italian pilot project and contributed to the European HERO Programme since 2011. To date, its eCall solution is operational in several Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs), both in Italy and abroad, including in the United Arab Emirates, Lithuania, and North Macedonia.
