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Minnesota Rolls Out Text-to-911 https://wp.me/p5NDl4-eq The statewide Text-to-911 in Minnesota is up and running. Minnesota began the process in 2014 by moving all of their PSAP's to the NextGen 911 platform, and finished this year by allowing text to 911. For more see this page on the Minnesota State Website
So there's this really cool service happening around the country called Text-to-911, which is a super helpful resource if you a scary situation and in need of help, but unable to speak on the phone without putting yourself in danger. Unfortunately, most of the New England states have not made this available. I didn't even know it was possible anywhere until I looked it up. So, yeah, moral of the story is that'd be a cool thing to make available everywhere. (I'm talking to you, future presidents.)
FCC Approves Text-to-911
What would you do if you were in your bedroom and you heard someone breaking in downstairs? Would you risk calling the police and being heard? Hide and hope not to be found? By the end of this year, Text-to-911 support will be required to be supported by all cell service providers.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved, with a 3:2 vote, a plan to have all cell service providers to support the Text-to-911 service.
“Our first responsibility is to provide for the safety of Americans,” said FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, “and this is a step to continue to fulfill that responsibility. And it is not a final step.”
This new service does bring concerns. When calling 911 from a landline, operators are able to track where the call is being made, fairly quickly. Right now, there is no quick tracking for a text message, which could cause a delay in help arriving.
Now the race is on. The deadline has been set for the end of December for service providers to comply with the new rule. This system doesn't only affect service providers; dispatch centers will also have to update systems in order to receive text messages. Currently, only 2% of dispatchers are able to accept text messages. The burden is also on companies like Google and Apple because their applications, like iMessages, will also have to adhere to the new regulations because they communicate with numbers rather than other users just within their app.
I think this new ruling can be life saving. This is something that shouldn’t have been given a second thought. There are too many circumstances that could prevent someone from being able to speak and a text can get them the help that they need. The idea that this service could interfere with customers' privacy is an excuse for not updating software and equipment, but if they are contacting 911, the person is giving their consent for authorities to help them with whatever means necessary.
If I am in the situation that I need to call 911 and I’m unable to give my location, please track me; my life may be depending on it.
Text-to-911 is currently being rolled out to a limited amount of markets but should be available across the country by the end of the year.
