Iceland regulator proposes testing phones for emergency-call access

Iceland’s Communications Authority is seeking public input on draft recommendations that importers and sellers test mobile phones before putting them on the market, mbl.is reports.

After Iceland shut down its 2G and 3G mobile networks, some phones have been unable to connect to the emergency number 112, despite supporting regular mobile services and meeting CE marking requirements.

The cause may lie in a phone’s software version or settings, or in how the device interacts with the mobile network, the authority said. It is proposing tests for all phones sold in Iceland in future and has invited interested parties to comment on the draft.

In July, a representative of the Emergency Line told mbl.is that it was unacceptable for people to be unable to reach the service. A temporary number, 599-0112, was introduced for callers.