ACCOLC
 |
This article's factual accuracy may be compromised due to out-of-date information. Please help improve the article by updating it. There may be additional information on the talk page. (November 2010) |
ACCOLC (Access Overload Control) was a procedure in the United Kingdom for restricting mobile telephone usage in the event of emergencies. It is similar to the GTPS (Government Telephone Preference Scheme) for landlines.
This scheme allowed the mobile telephone networks to restrict access in a specific area to registered numbers only and is normally invoked by the Police Incident Commander (although it can be invoked by the Cabinet Office). The emergency services are responsible for registering their key numbers in advance.
ACCOLC was replaced by MTPAS (Mobile Telecommunication Privileged Access Scheme) in 2009.
[edit] Purpose
The purpose of ACCOLC (US) was to restrict non-essential access to cellular phone networks during emergencies. This actively prevents unnecessary usage from congesting the cell networks, thus allowing emergency services personnel priority for communications. It also serves to control information flow in and out of a declared emergency area.
Mobile networks can become overwhelmed by a high concentration of calls that often occur immediately after a major incident. Reliable access to the mobile networks, even during times when an exceptionally large number of calls are being made, is achieved by installing a special SIM (subscriber identity module) card in the telephone handset. Special SIMs are only available to entitled users within the emergency services community, and not to members of the public.
Verizon Wireless in the United States has also implemented ACCOLC on its wireless networks, the modalities of use may differ from those in Britain especially with regards to ACCOLC being activated permanently on the network.
[edit] See also
- Civil Contingencies Secretariat
- Government Telephone Preference Scheme
- US Nationwide Wireless Priority Service
[edit] External links
- London Assembly 7 July Review Committee Volume 4 Follow up report Including report on ACCOLC being invoked around Aldgate on 7 July by the City of London Police without reference to GOLD control.
- Introduction to Resilient Communications (Cabinet Office).
