What might occur if an ALI node is lost?

When an Automatic Location Identification (ALI) node is lost, it can lead to improperly routed calls. The ALI system is integral to emergency response as it provides essential location information to public safety answering points (PSAPs) when a call is made to emergency services. If an ALI node is malfunctioning or goes offline, the system may struggle to accurately determine the location of a caller. This can result in calls being directed to the wrong PSAP or the location data being incorrect, which in turn can cause delays in response times and hinder emergency services from arriving at the scene where they are needed most.

Understanding this context underlines the importance of maintaining ALI nodes to ensure that emergency communications are as effective as possible. The other options do not align with the consequences of losing an ALI node, as enhancing call routing quality or increasing system efficiency would not occur; rather, the failure of the ALI node compromises the reliability of emergency response systems.