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Wireless
9-1-1
is the term used to describe 9-1-1 calls which originate from analog
or digital cellular telephones and personal communications systems
devices. In a community like ours, these account for 20 - 25% of all
calls. Duringtimes of peak vehicle traffic, such as the morning and
evening commute, wireless calls can make up almost 1/2 of all calls
received.
Did you know that:
- More than
30,000 wireless phones are sold every day?
- More than
115,000 wireless 9-1-1 calls are made very day?
- Most
people purchase a wireless telephone for safety?
- Wireless
telephones do not provide 9-1-1 with a phone number and address?
- Wireless
telephones may not connect you to the correct 9-1-1 center?
When calling 9-1-1 from a wireless telephone:
- Providing
an accurate address is critically important
- Give an
exact street number and street name if possible
- If you
don't know the exact adress, provide an intersection
- Provide a
business name or landmark if your address is unknown
- Stay on
the line and follow directions carefully
- Don't hang
up until your call is answered
- Give your
cell phone number
Know where
you're at!
When traveling the Interstate system in Tennessee, you will notice
blue signs located in the median. These signs contain information
concerning the interstate number, the direction of travel, and the
milepost. These are valuable in relaying your location to 9-1-1
personnel. Ramps leading to and from these interstates will also be
posted with smaller signs that indicate the interstate number,
direction of travel, and exit number.
Wireless Fees
The state of
Tennessee began collecting a fee of 85 cents per month from each
wireless telephone to help pay for the development of and
maintenance of enhanced wireless 9-1-1 service. Legislation passed
in 1999 created a means of "cost recovery" for the
companies that provide wireless. This was mandated by the Federal
Communications Commission. A portion of these funds will also be
distributed to local emergency communications districts such as ours
in order to upgrade telephone equipment and mapping required to
pinpoint the location of wireless calls. As improvements have been
made, this fee has increased to $1.00 per month as provided by state
law.
Phase I of the
enhanced 9-1-1 project is underway in Knox County. The telephone
numbers of most wireless customers are now generally relayed to
the 9-1-1 center when a call for help is made. This is a
significant step toward providing better service.
Consumers should also know that the use of decativated cell phones
or cell phones manufactured solely for the purpose of making 9-1-1
calls cannot be called back by 9-1-1 center personnel to obtain
additional, and possibly lifesaving, information. We believe you
need to be aware of this fact before such a purchase is
considered.
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