When dialing 911, your SouthernLINC Wireless phone may be a real lifesaver!
Today, 911 service is a vital part of our nation's emergency response and disaster preparedness system. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has taken steps to increase public safety by encouraging and coordinating development of a nationwide, seamless communications system for emergency services.
In order to deliver emergency help more quickly and effectively, wireless carriers and public safety entities are upgrading the 911 network on a regular basis. For example, most 911 systems now automatically report the telephone number and location of emergency calls made from landline phones, a capability called Enhanced 911, or E911.
The FCC also requires wireless telephone carriers to provide 911 and E911 capability, where a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) requests it. Once it is implemented fully, wireless E911 will provide location information for emergency calls from wireless phones.
All new phones sold by SouthernLINC Wireless are GPS-capable, which means there is a chip in the phone that will help provide location information to a PSAP when a caller dials 911. The GPS capability becomes active after dialing 911 when the network prompts the phone for coordinates.
Wireless E911 Phase I
Wireless E911 Phase I requires wireless carriers to provide emergency response agencies with the telephone number of a wireless caller and the location of the tower site that received the call in order to help them dispatch assistance to the 911 caller.
Wireless E911 Phase II
Wireless E911 Phase II requires wireless carriers to provide the telephone number and far more precise location information-- in most cases, within 410 feet or 135 yards. SouthernLINC Wireless customers must have a GPS capable phone in order for the approximate location of the caller to be sent to the 911 operator. Wireless E911 Phase II service is only available if the applicable 911 Center has upgraded its equipment.
Wireless E911 Coverage Map
Please note there are areas within the SouthernLINC Wireless coverage area where Wireless E911 Phase I or II service is not available.
Even in areas where E911 Phase I or II service is present there are a number of factors that can affect the accessibility of location information so a caller should always provide their location if possible to the 911 operator.
View an Enlarged Image of the MapFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need to sign up for E911 Phase I and II service?No. When E911 service is deployed in an area by SouthernLINC Wireless, it is available for all network users in that area.
How do I know whether Phase I or Phase II services have been deployed in a particular area where I'm making wireless calls?Because there are many 911 Communications Centers across our Regional Calling Area, we suggest you contact the 911 Center in your area by calling their non-emergency/administrative phone number (usually found near the front of your local phone book or directory) to determine that agency's ability to receive wireless E911 calls. Check out the E911 coverage map posted on this page as well.
I have prepaid service; can I still reach 911?Yes. All SouthernLINC Wireless phones can process 911 calls, regardless of the type of service being used, however, a phone must have battery power and be in a coverage area to complete a 911 call.
I kept my phone number from a different area of the country. When I dial 911 from my phone, will my call be routed to a nearby 911 center?Yes. SouthernLINC Wireless will route your emergency call to the nearest 911 Communications Center, regardless of the phone number assigned to the phone. Be sure to provide your ten-digit phone number when asked by a 911 operator.
Can I send a text message to 911?No. At this time, the 911 Communications Centers are not able to receive and/or respond to text messages sent to "911."
What should I do if I accidentally dial 911?If you accidentally dial 911, stay on the line until the 911 operator answers the call. Tell the operator that the call was made by mistake and no emergency assistance is needed.
Tips for 911 calling and preventing unintentional calls
The FCC provides the following tips for people who call 911 from a wireless phone:
- Tell the emergency operator the location of the emergency right away.
- Give the emergency operator your wireless phone number so the operator can call you back if the call gets disconnected.
- If your wireless phone is not "initialized" (meaning you do not have a contract for service with a wireless service provider), and your emergency call gets disconnected, you must call the emergency operator back because the operator does not have your telephone number and cannot contact you.
- Refrain from programming your phone to automatically dial 911 when one button, such as the "9" key, is pressed. Unintentional wireless 911 calls, which often occur when auto-dial keys are inadvertently pressed, cause problems for emergency call centers.
- If your wireless phone came pre-programmed with the auto-dial 911 feature already turned on, turn off this feature. Check your user manual to find out how.
- Lock your keypad when not using your wireless phone. This action also prevents accidental calls to 911.
- Create a contact in your wireless phone's memory with the name "ICE" (in Case of Emergency) listing the phone numbers of people who should be notified if there is an emergency.