Text-to-9-1-1


Text-to-911 is a technology that enables emergency call takers to receive text messages. Its use is encouraged for the hearing impaired and in situations when it is too dangerous to call. As of May 2014, all four major carriers in the United States offered text-to-911. However, as of October 2018, only approximately 1,600 of more than 6,000 emergency call centers were setup to receive texts.

Adoption

The FCC maintains a registry of areas supporting text-to-911. All carriers are required to send bounce-back messages to inform the sender that the message could not be received if text-to-911 is not supported by the local call center.

Statewide Support

The National Association of the Deaf provides a map of states providing text-to-911.

Challenges

Call centers are usually funded by both state and federal funding. Limited funding and outdated technology have slowed the adoption of text-to-911. Voice-based calls are still preferred and considered the more efficient form of communication. Many cities are concerned about overuse of texting, which may slow response times. Texts to 911 are not prioritized so they may be slow to be delivered.

History

In August 2009, Waterloo, Iowa was the first county to begin receiving texts to 911.