Wireless 911 Service | Federal Communications Commission

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The ability to reach 911 from your wireless phone has become a vital public safety tool. Wireless 911 calls also create unique challenges, however. Since wireless phones are mobile, they are not associated with one fixed location or address. The FCC is working to ensure that wireless 911 calls are transmitted with increasingly precise location information so that first responders can quickly find and assist those in need.

TipsFCC Wireless 911 RulesAccidental 911 Calls
Tips for Making Wireless 911 Calls
When making a 911 call from a wireless phone, you should:

Tell the emergency operator the location of the emergency right away.
Be prepared to provide the emergency operator with your wireless phone number, so if the call gets disconnected, the emergency operator can call you back.
Remember that many emergency operators currently lack the technical capability to receive texts, photos and videos.
If you do not have a contract for service with a service provider and your emergency wireless call gets disconnected, you must call the emergency operator back because the operator will not have your telephone number and cannot contact you.
Also:

Learn and use the designated number in your state for highway accidents or other non life-threatening incidents. States often reserve specific numbers for these types of incidents. For example, “#77” is the number used for highway accidents in Virginia.
Consider creating a contact in your wireless phone with the name “ICE” (In Case of Emergency), which will identify who you want to have notified in an emergency.
Lock your keypad when you’re not using your wireless phone to help prevent accidental calls to 911.

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Printable Version

911 Wireless Services Guide (pdf)

 

Date Last Updated/Reviewed: 
Tuesday, January 28, 2020
Bureau/Office: 
Consumer and Governmental Affairs
Tags: 
911 – 911 – Consumers – Emergency Communications – Emergency Communications – Health and Safety – Wireless Consumer Issues
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— Read on www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/911-wireless-services