Text Messaging Featured Article

Across the country, 911 centers have begun to implement new technology that enables mobile phone users to text in emergency situations. The Pennsylvania suburbs of Montgomery, Chester, Bucks and Berks counties are the latest to join the planned nationwide rollout of 911 texting.

"There are plenty of times when the person who needs assistance does not want to be overheard, when a telephone call is not a good idea," said Montgomery County Commissioner Bruce L. Castor Jr., in an interview with the Inquirer. "Talking is better, but we don't want to alert a bad guy, if somebody is hiding or whatever."

The Federal Communications Commission is moving forward with its recommendation for 911 texting technology. Last week the FCC (News - Alert) voted to require all cellular service providers to support texts to 911 universally by year's end. Currently, the four largest wireless telephone companies — AT&T (News - Alert), Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon — voluntarily committed to make texting to 911 in areas where the local 911 center is prepared to receive the texts.

"Our first responsibility is to provide for the safety of Americans," said FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler (News - Alert), "and this is a step to continue to fulfill that responsibility. And it is not a final step."

At issue is, of course, the new equipment and software required by 911 centers to receive and respond to emergencies via text message. While officials say phone calls will be quicker and more precise, there are certain situations where a text message may be more appropriate — such as kidnappings or home invasions, or where the caller is deaf, mute or experiences a medical condition that disables speech.

Pennsylvania already has several regions that can receive 911 texts including Allegheny, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster and Luzerne counties as well as the city of Allentown. However, funding for expanding the 911 systems is problematic. Ironically the centers are funded from a landline-access fee. But fewer people have landlines while more calls are coming from cellphones, which pay no fees, according to the Inquirer.

The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency is providing a grant to get the system running in Montgomery, Berks, Bucks and Chester. After that, the counties will pick up the bill.