(WSPA) – With over 80% of 911 calls coming from mobile phones, AT&T launched a new 911 location service Tuesday for the public to have the same fast, accurate and reliable connection to a dispatch center as landlines.
This new 911 location service will use the “Located Before Route” feature which connects AT&T cellphone users to the closest dispatch center.
Typically when a call is placed to 911, the wireless phone is routed based on the closest cell tower, which can cover up to a 10-mile radius. This means that sometimes callers are transferred from one dispatch center to another when seeking help.
This can cause potential delays when an emergency response is needed.
With AT&T’s new 911 location service, the system will be able to quickly identify the location of the cellphone user and deliver it to the correct call center.
The nationwide rollout has started and is available in the following states:
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Montana
- Oregon
- Washington
- Wyoming
- Kansas
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Minnesota
- North Dakota
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- South Dakota
- Guam
AT&T said the nationwide service should be available for all customers by the end of June
