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Print 6 comment(s) - last by HurleyBird.. on Dec 9 at 11:01 PM
The FCC warns that people should always make voice calls to 911 when possible

The FCC is pushing to expand next-generation 911 initiatives to cover new communication methods. Currently the only way 911 works is by using voice calls or phone systems for the deaf. FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, however, has pledged that the FCC is committed to rolling out text-to-911 service to all Americans.

The FCC wants the new text service to be available to all Americans "as quickly as possible." According to the FCC, the nation's four largest wireless carriers – which include AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile -- have all agreed to accelerate the availability of text-to-911 service.
 
The major carriers expect widespread deployments in 2013 and have committed to a nationwide availability for the service by May 15, 2014.

Major carriers are already initiating text-to-911 deployments around the country. In these test areas, 911 call centers are prepared to receive text messages calling for help. The service is seen as very important to allow people with hearing or speech disabilities to be able to report accidents and call for help using mobile devices.

The FCC is specific in noting that texts will complement voice calls to 911 services rather than replace voice calling. The FCC letter also notes that people who need 911 assistance should always make voice calls when possible. The major carriers have also promised to provide an automatic "bounce back" text message to notify customers if their attempt to reach 911 using a text message was unsuccessful if the service is available in their area.

Source: FCC


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Unneeded complexity?
By othercents on 12/7/2012 10:22:46 AM , Rating: 1
It almost seams like an unneeded complexity and adding a level of decision if the text is legit for the 911 operators. Right now they struggle with phone calls and trying to decide if they are legit or not.

Wouldn't it be easier to build a 911 device that had a button or buttons (police, fire, ambulance) and when you pressed the button the GPS location would be sent along with the service requested and requester information? Some of the older FLEX paging towers could take care of all of that. You could even charge people for using the service when an emergency is not required.

Other




RE: Unneeded complexity?
By ipay on 12/7/2012 11:18:03 AM , Rating: 2
> now they struggle with phone calls
That is not OUR fault, but that of 911 Operator Training, comprehension or memory retention.

If a picture is worth a 1000 words (and a short video even more) then wouldn't it be an advantage to send a text with a Vehicle or Perpetrator Photo which could then be sent to all Cars in the area ?

You are saying that if someone ELSE ever made a dumb suggestion in a Post then it is going to take us ALL a lot longer to figure out the vailidity of your suggestion. Not for me.


RE: Unneeded complexity?
By LSUJester on 12/7/2012 3:07:53 PM , Rating: 5
-ipay

Have you ever actually been a 911 operator? If not, you have no idea what it's like.

While it is not difficult to discern what is and is not an emergency, what is often difficult is getting proper information from the people that call. Many people who call our center refuse to tell you anything. If you ask them for a suspect description, all they will respond with it, "Just hurry up and get here!" And then the police drive by the suspect because they don't know who they are looking for.

Also, some people assume that you know exactly where they are, when in reality some cellphones (especially the local cheapos) refuse to get a good GPS location. That or instead of a street name / address, they tell you "Mike's Bar" and then you get the added time of trying to look that up. And getting the telcos involved to track a phone is not a quick process.

While this technology does have an upside with possible pictures of the scene, the lack of a constant connection to the victim presents problems. For example, on the phone 911 operators can hear an incident in the background and can discern a good bit just from that. I personally listened to a man hold a woman hostage. She called, whispered the address, then left the phone lying on the ground. With texts, that could never happen.


RE: Unneeded complexity?
By HurleyBird on 12/9/2012 11:01:47 PM , Rating: 2
I'm a 911 operator, and I think a far better solution would be a standardized 911 app that guides the user into giving needed details.

In terms of simple texting, I doubt the small increase in accessibility is worth the multitudes that would send texts just to avoid dialing 911, giving improper or incomplete information when they do so.


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