Posted on 02/22/2020 4:43:02 AM PST by topher
Text-to-911 is the ability to send a text message to reach 911 emergency call takers from your mobile phone or device. However, because voice calls to 911 provide more information to 911 call centers, you should always make a voice call to 911 during an emergency whenever possible.
Text-to-911 is only currently available in certain locations. The FCC encourages emergency call centers to begin accepting texts, but it is up to each call center to decide the particular method in which to implement and deploy text-to-911 technology.
FCC rules require all wireless carriers and other providers of text messaging applications in the United States to deliver emergency texts to call centers that request them. If a call center requests text-to-911 service, text messaging providers must deliver the service in that area within six months.
To check to see if the 911 call center in your area supports text-to-911, download our list of areas supporting available service (updated monthly). But even in areas where call centers accept text-to-911, existing voice-based 911 service is still the most reliable and preferred method of contact.
How to contact 911
If you use a wireless phone or other type of mobile device, make sure to do the following in an emergency:
o Always contact 911 by making a voice call, if you can.
o If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech disabled, and text-to-911 is not available, use a TTY or a telecommunications relay service, if possible.
Bounce-back messages
If you attempt to send a text to 911 where the service is not yet available, FCC rules require all wireless carriers and other text messaging providers to send an automatic "bounce-back" message that will advise you to contact emergency services by another means, such as making a voice call or using telecommunications relay service. Bounce-back messages are intended to minimize your risk of mistakenly believing that a text to 911 has been transmitted to an emergency call center when it has not.
Which service providers are not required to support text-to-911?
o The FCC's text-to-911 rules do not apply to text messaging applications that do not support texting to and from U.S. phone numbers.
o Text messaging apps that only support texting with other app users or texting via social media are not required to support text-to-911.
For more information
To learn more about FCC programs to promote access to telecommunications services for people with disabilities, visit the FCC's Disability Rights Office website at www.fcc.gov/disability.
Print Out
Link to PDF for printing - Text to 911: What You Need To Know PDF Document
It would require SMS 911/Emergency Operators.
One clear advantage is that the GPS could be sent with the SMS message, and the possibility of 'tracking' the device for an emergency (automobile).
In some emergencies, the 911 operator may be busy.
Having an SMS message has the ability to put the 'data' in a queue (not lose the call). There is also the ability to have GPS and possibly GPS tracking a 'moving situation'.
The capability may be needed with pandemics like the flu or some emergency such as a hurricane or an earthquake.
Ping
When I was working on logging trucks in areas with poor to no service you could get a text through but not a call a lot of times.
More recent 911 dispatch systems have had this capability installed for some time. It’s in queue with the regular 911 calls (yes, in larger cities, 911 goes to a call queue).
With 'google translate', one would not need to speak another language, but use the 'translator'.
Examples where this might be needed:
Earthquake
Hurricane
Pandemic such as flu outbreak with an overwhelming number of sick people
Democratic Primary/Caucus (humor/sarcasm)
Yeah. Some places around here you can’t even send or receive a text. Deep canyons and high mountains. Exactly the places where you would most likely get into trouble.
That’s why people who end up in such areas use something like the Spot emergency satcom transceiver.
https://www.findmespot.com/en-us/
If it can see the sky, it can usually get word out.
So the Text-to-911 feature includes a bullshit detector? LOL!
I just added that as a bit of humor after the Iowa Caucus....
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