Verizon Wireless is all set to provide the Text to 911 Nation Gateway Solution to its users. This initiative will aid customers in reaching out to 911 call center operators in emergency situations by sending a text to the aforesaid number.
The move has been taken to ensure public safety via TeleCommunication Systems. While calling 911 is generally advisable, the facility will allow sending text messages to public-service answering points (PSAPs). This can especially work for individuals who with weak or no hearing ability. It may also be of immense use in instances when speaking itself means danger.
“Verizon is at the forefront of 911 public-safety innovations, and today’s announcement is another step in making SMS-to-911 service available to those who cannot make a voice call to 911. Our company is continuing its long-standing commitment to address the needs of public safety and our customers by offering another way to get help in an emergency by using wireless technology,” commented Marjorie Hsu, Verizon Wireless vice president of technology.
The carrier is working towards providing the solution via specific PSAPs in early 2013. It intends to use the current CDMA SMS network for the 911 text facility. This service can be accessed by consumers of the network operator with a phone that’s text-capable and which carries a plan with text messaging.
The team at Verizon Wireless is now collaborating with PSAPS, federal and state agencies, the communications industry as well as the Federal Communications Commission to deliver the Text to 911 Nation Gateway Solution service by early next year.