More than half of all calls to 9-1-1 are made from cell phones. All 9-1-1 Answering Points in the Denco Area 9-1-1 District take advantage of advanced call processing software and digital mapping provided by Denco to get help to 9-1-1 Cell Phone callers. The equipment is capable of receiving and displaying wireless location data, including the wireless phone number and the caller's approximate location on a map. It is important for all citizens to remember that although location technology has been implemented, callers must continue to provide as much location information as possible, so that 9-1-1 call takers can better assist them.

FCC Requirements
Locating wireless callers to 9-1-1 is a major priority for public safety answering points across the nation. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) created a mandate for PSAPs to have location mechanisms in place for locating wireless 9-1-1 callers.
http://www.fcc.gov/pshs/911/Welcome.html

Wireless PHASE I:
Wireless 9-1-1 service provides to the call taker at 9-1-1 centers, the following information: the callback number of the wireless caller, and the physical location of the cell tower which handled the 9-1-1 call.

Wireless PHASE II:
Wireless 9-1-1 service provides to the call taker at 9-1-1 centers, the following information: Telephone Number of a Wireless 9-1-1 Caller and the location of a 9-1-1 Caller by Latitude and Longitude using either a handset-based or network-based technology.

Location Technologies
Two different solutions for cell phone location technology have been implemented in the Denco Area 9-1-1 District. The FCC provided wireless carriers with the option of using either solution.

In the handset solution, the global-positioning system (GPS) is in the telephone. In the network solution, location technology equipment is mounted on the carrier's cell towers. Both types of technology interface with the 9-1-1 system provided by Denco area 9-1-1 District.

General Tips for 9-1-1 and Cell Phones
- Keep your phone charged.

- Dial 9-1-1, then press “Send” or “Talk.”

- Most cell phones provide an approximate location. Give the 9-1-1 Dispatcher your location using an address, cross streets or landmarks.

- Calls may drop or fail to go through based on signal strength

- Call may not arrive at the correct 9-1-1 center and may need to be transferred

- 9-1-1 is not equipped to receive text messages.

Children’s Cell Phones
- Teach your children to dial 9-1-1 only in an emergency. Help them understand what an emergency is by providing examples.

- In an emergency, instruct your children to call 9-1-1 first, rather than anyone else.

- Help your children learn their address and phone number.

- Some phones marketed for children have a non-traditional dialing pad. Owners may need to program the phone to dial 9-1-1.

- Providing your child with a cell phone is, of course, no substitute for parental supervision.

Inactive Cell Phones without a Service Plan
- Cell Phones may be provided by a non-profit organization, bought at a store or even a garage sale. As long as the phone will hold an electrical charge, the owner may use it to dial 9-1-1.

- Give your location right away. With many phone models, 9-1-1 does not receive location information.

- Call back if you’re disconnected, most of these phones cannot receive incoming calls, even from a 9-1-1 Dispatcher.

Pre-paid Minutes Cell Phones
- Give your location right away. With some phone models or minute plans, 9-1-1 does not receive location information.

- Next tell the 9-1-1 Telecommunicator what type of help you need.

- If you run out of minutes during a 9-1-1 call, the call will end. 9-1-1 cannot call you back.