NextNav partners with Sonim to deliver innovative z-axis capabilities for public safety and E911

NextNav, the leader in z-axis and 3D geolocation services, and Sonim Technologies, announced a new partnership to make NextNav groundbreaking z-axis technology available to first responders and 911 emergency services.

Drawing on NextNav's carrier-grade network and innovative software, Sonim will be the first to offer NextNav-enabled devices capable of delivering z-axis (altitude) measurements for Public Safety and 911 emergency services. Using NextNav's software, first responder applications on Sonim devices will provide more accurate altitude data – capable of floor level (± 3m) accuracy mandated by the FCC – 95% of the time for locating 911 callers and minimizing response times.

"Z-axis is a game changer for first responders," said Ganesh Pattabiraman, CEO of NextNav. "Studies show that having precise 'Z' information reduces search times in multi-story structures by over 80%. Combined with the fact that 84% of the U.S. population lives in cities, this will have a tremendous impact on public safety. Our partnership with Sonim means faster response times and increased situational awareness that will save lives. This is the first step toward an ecosystem of 3D geolocation that is long overdue."

NextNav's z-axis capability is delivered through a software update to devices already in market and will be incorporated natively in new Sonim devices. This will correspond with a phased nationwide launch of NextNav services later this year. NextNav's z-axis service leverages existing device hardware.