Staff Writer
Texting
911 may soon be possible. The Federal
Communications Commission has created a new program called Text-to-911 which
allows text messages to be sent to 911 operators instead of a voice call. All four major service providers which include
Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint all committed to providing the service
to certain locations by May 15. The FCC has
required that all service providers have the service by the end of 2014.
This
is the first advancement in the 911 system since the 1960s. Users will only be able to send texts. The FCC prefers that people still make phone
calls a priority and to text only in a situation where you are unable to make a
phone call or can’t speak. Texting 911
will also be helpful for people with speech or hearing disabilities.
Text
messaging 911 might take several more years for every area to implement the
service. Although cell phone providers
offer the service, it will be up to local governments as to whether or not to
allow this advancement. Text messaging
would also take longer than a voice call because operators might have to ask
for additional information. There is
also a word limit in text messages and not as much information can be given
through texting. Since texting is
slower, it might also take longer to get a response and help during an
emergency.
