"This page is a digitally archived AccessInfo Announcement"
At its January 25, 2024, Open Meeting, the FCC adopted a Report and Order requiring all wireless carriers to implement location-based routing nationwide for wireless calls and real-time text (RTT) communications to 911 call centers. With this approach, 911 voice calls and RTT texts will be routed based on the location of the caller as opposed to the location of the cell tower that handles that call. It is estimated that using this precise location information to route 911 calls will result in millions more wireless 911 callers reaching emergency responders without the need for transfer or delay.
The Report and Order provides nationwide mobile service providers six months and non-nationwide providers 24 months to implement location-based routing. For RTT communications to 911, the Report and Order requires all mobile service providers to implement location-based routing within 24 months.
Link to the Report and Order:
URL: https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-adopts-rules-improve-wireless-911-call-routing-0
General information about 911 is available at https://www.fcc.gov/general/9-1-1-and-e9-1-1-services. Additional information about RTT is available at https://www.fcc.gov/rtt. For more information about the location-based routing Report and Order, contact Rachel Wehr, Policy and Licensing Division, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, at (202) 418-1138, or Rachel.Wehr@fcc.gov. Individuals who use videophones and are fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) may call the FCC’s ASL Consumer Support Line at (844) 432-2275 (videophone).