911 and Cell Phones 

Cell phones can be an important public safety tool, however, they also create unique challenges for public safety and emergency response personnel.  No matter what you may have heard, we cannot determine the precise location of a caller who dials 911 from any cell phone.  It is essential that you stay on the line and clearly give your location to the 911 Call Taker. 

FCC and Cellular Technology

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has taken a several steps to increase public safety by coordinating development of a nationwide, seamless communications system for emergency services that includes the provision of location information for wireless 911 calls. They have taken this approach in phases:

Phase 0 was the initial phase required by the FCC, which mandates that a caller can dial 911 from their cell phone.

Phase 1 mandates that cell phone carriers provide the telephone number of a wireless 911 caller and the location of the antenna (cell site) that received the call.  This information is important in case the call is “dropped” and may allow the 911 Call Taker to work with the wireless company to identify the wireless subscriber.  The problem with Phase I is that it does not allow Call Takers to locate emergency victims or callers.       

Phase 2

Phase 2 mandates that carriers provide far more precise location information – within 170 to 1000 feet.  The various carriers have developed different methods to provide the latitude and longitude from the cell phone handset.  It can be from triangulation, GPS or a hybrid of the two.

Beaumont 911 Operations Center – Compliant!!

VoIP and 911

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is technology that uses the Internet to transmit telephone calls rather than traditional landline technology.  This new technology has many advantages for the consumer; however, it brings some serious concerns as well when calling 911.

VoIP and 911 Concerns

Since VoIP is transmitted over the Internet, certain caller information may not be available or recognized by the E911 system.  The E911 (Enhanced 911) system is the system that provides the 911 Call Taker with Automatic Number Identification (ANI) and Automatic Number Location (ALI).  This is the information provided on a landline call that displays the caller phone number and the address they are calling from.

Also, VoIP calls are often misrouted to the wrong 911 Center and frequently get “dropped”.  Because of these two issues, it is possible that a VoIP caller may not get the assistance they need in times of an emergency.

Precautionary Measures You can Take

VoIP subscribers enjoy certain benefits that landline subscribers don’t.  For instance, most VoIP customers get free long distance and cheaper local and cellular services.  However, VoIP subscribers should also take certain precautionary measures to ensure they can call 911 without difficulties.  Some of those measures are: 

·         Maintain a landline telephone with minimal services so you are able to take advantage of E911.

·         Maintain a landline as a backup due to power outages or Internet difficulties.

·         Each VoIP provider may be different; know your provider and the services that they offer.

·         Be sure to “register” the physical location where the phone will be used with the provider, so this information may be used when you call 911.

·         Be sure to “reregister” when you move as some providers take some time to update the records.

·         Remember when you use VoIP while mobile, the 911 Center you called will be provided with the information you registered.

·         Test your VoIP with your local 911 Center during slow times, preferably getting this approved by calling a administrative number first.

·         Keep your family updated on how your VoIP works and the limitation associated with it.

This is an informational site only; there is no way to get help from this website.  If you are experiencing an emergency, dial 9-1-1 from a cellular phone or a landline phone.