What is Wireless 9-1-1?
Wireless 9-1-1 is the term used to refer to emergency calls made to 9-1-1 for wireless cellular phones. A cellular (cell) phone is actually a radio transmitter and a receiver that uses radio frequencies or channels, instead of a traditional telephone wire, to connect callers. Because cell phones are very portable, they are not associated with one fixed location or address. The cell tower (cell site) used to transmit a cellular 9-1-1 call provides only a general location of the cellular caller. This location information is not specific enough for public safety personnel to respond in a timely manner. For many, the ability to call 9-1-1 for help in an emergency is one of the main reasons they own a cellular phone. Other cellular 9-1-1 calls come from “good Samaritans” reporting traffic collisions, criminal activity or other emergencies. While cell phones can be an important public safety tool, they also create unique challenges for public safety, emergency response personnel and wireless
