Carriers have to let you text 911 by the end of the year

[Jeffrey]

You've had the option of texting 911 in a handful of US cities for a couple of months, thanks in part to voluntary efforts from bigger cellphone carriers. However, the FCC doesn't want you to be left out solely because you're on a smaller network. The agency has just adopted rules requiring that all American wireless providers have the capability for text-to-911 by the end of the year. You won't necessarily get emergency messaging by that point, but carriers will have six months to implement it in a given region if a local call center makes a request.

Right now, the new regulation won't make a big difference. Only Maine and Vermont are fully prepared to handle SMS in a crisis, and you'll only find some form of coverage in 16 states. However, the FCC's move means that adoption could grow very quickly -- now that carriers can't say no, 911 facilities are more likely to push for the technology. Don't be surprised if you can soon send a text-based cry for help at any moment when a voice call would be difficult or dangerous.

FCC

 

[Vepaot]

 

[grenefroggie]

Makes sense. Most of today youth wouldn't't know how to dial a phone. But they know how to win texting competitions.

 

[Mustang02]

That's great but texting doesn't give a user location. What happens when someone uses google voice instead? I can see this going horribly wrong.

 

[Jeffrey]

That's great but texting doesn't give a user location. What happens when someone uses google voice instead? I can see this going horribly wrong.

I'm sure they have the ability to triangulate your position.

 

[grenefroggie]

That's great but texting doesn't give a user location. What happens when someone uses google voice instead? I can see this going horribly wrong.

If you can text 911, then you should be able to answer a callback.

The main issue I seen with this is the person texting is doing so to maintain silence. In that event a callback could go wrong. Most instances will likely allow the person requesting 911 services to answer the call.

 

[Jeffrey]

UPDATE: As of now, carriers can not triangulate an SMS.

 

[mountainbikermark]

I'm sure they have the ability to triangulate your position.

Verizon Messages app now has a feature that allows send your location attached to texts.

Sent from my LG-D801 using Tapatalk

 

[drunkclever]

If you have location turned on I believe your good, also just to note, Maine and Vermont seem to be hazardous states to be in by yourself. Just saying.

 

[Mustang02]

If you have location turned on I believe your good, also just to note, Maine and Vermont seem to be hazardous states to be in by yourself. Just saying.

If you call yes GPS works. SMS has no way of coordinates or triangulation at this moment.

 

[CJM]

Guess if they can't find your location from a text, just be sure to include your address in the text

Tapped from a Moto X