Four Wireless Carriers Agree to Accelerate Text to 911

Four Wireless Carriers Agree to Accelerate Text to 911

On December 6, 2012, the FCC announced that the four major wireless carriers – AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile – have agreed to accelerate the availability of text-to-911, with major deployments expected in 2013 and a commitment to nationwide availability by May 15, 2014.

Text-to-911 will provide consumers, including millions of consumers with hearing and speech disabilities, access to emergency services by enabling them to send a text message to 911. This will also provide consumers with enhanced access to emergency communications in situations where a voice call could endanger the caller, or a person with disabilities is unable to make a voice call. Text-to-911 will be available as an addition to, not a substitute for, voice calls to 911 services, and consumers should always make a voice call to 911 during an emergency if they can.

Links to the announcement:

Word http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2012/db1207/DOC-317786A1.doc
PDF http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2012/db1207/DOC-317786A1.pdf
Text http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2012/db1207/DOC-317786A1.txt

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