The Top 4 Wireless Network Operators have all agreed to let customers
send text messages to 911 emergency centers via their networks. The
Federal Communication Commission has been pushing for what it calls a
next-generation 911 service and AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile USA, and
Verizon Wireless are all officially on board.
They will begin deploying
the service in 2013, though the nationwide system is not expected to be
complete until mid-2014.
The carriers will send automatic bounce-back
messages to people who send 911 texts in areas where the service is not
yet available.
FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said Voice
calls to 911 are still the most effective way to communicate, but the
FCC believes the text messaging service will help those who are unable
to make calls during an emergency.
