Verizon to begin offering text-to-911 service early next year

The FCC has said in the past that it was looking into allowing text messages to be sent to 911 services, and last year the agency even laid out a five-step plan that it'd use to put such a project into action. Now Verizon has announced that it's getting in on the 911 texting movement by starting work spontaneously initiative that'll allow its subscribers to send SMS messages to 911 call centers. Verizon says that it's partnering with TeleCommunication Systems Inc. on the project and that it expects to make the service available to select call centers by early 2013. The service will use Verizon's existing CDMA SMS network, and clients with both a text-capable phone and a text messaging plan will be able to take part.

EmailPrint BASKING RIDGE, NJ Demonstrating its continued commitment to advancing public safety, Verizon Wireless is taking steps toward offering many of its clients a new way to communicate with 911 call centers run by public safety officials. The company announced today that it has selected TeleCommunication Systems Inc., of Annapolis, Md., to participate in an initiative that will enable clients to send 911 SMS texts to the call centers, which are known as public-service answering points, or PSAPs.

While consumers should always first try to contact a 911 center by making a voice call, this enhanced SMS service, when deployed, will offer an alternative for clients on the Verizon Wireless network who are deaf or hard of hearing and cannot make voice calls or who could be placed in additional danger by speaking.

The forefront of 911 public-safety innovations

"Verizon is at the forefront of 911 public-safety innovations, and today’s announcement is another step in making SMS-to-911 service available to those who cannot make a voice call to 911," said Marjorie Hsu, Verizon Wireless vice president of innovation. "Our company is continuing its long-standing commitment to address the needs of public safety and our clients by offering another way to get help in an emergency by using wireless innovation."

The company is working on plans to make the new capabilities available to select PSAPs by early 2013. Verizon plans to use its existing CDMA SMS network for 911 text notifications. The new service will be offered to Verizon Wireless clients who have a text-capable phone and a service plan that includes text messaging.

"TeleCommunication Systems has worked closely with the FCC over the past two years to develop its innovative research for SMS to 911," said Maurice B. Tosé, president and CEO of TCS. "As the preeminent U.S. supplier of SMS and pioneer in wireless E911, TCS is then positioned to enable Verizon in advancing its public safety commitment."

The communications industry

Verizon is working with others in the communications industry, PSAPs, the Federal Communications Commission and other federal and state agencies in the eventual deployment of this new service aimed at giving consumers new ways to communicate with designated public safety agencies.

Verizon Communications Inc., headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to consumer, business, government and wholesale clients. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, with 93 million retail clients nationwide. Verizon as well provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers integrated business solutions to clients in more than 150 countries, including all of the Fortune 500. A Dow 30 company with $111 billion in 2011 earnings, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of near 192,000. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. is a world leader in highly reliable and secure mobile communication research. TCS infrastructure forms the foundation for market leading solutions in E9-1-1, text messaging, commercial location and deployable wireless communications. TCS is at the forefront of new mobile cloud computing services providing wireless applications for navigation, hyper-local search, asset tracking, social applications and telematics. Millions of consumers around the world use TCS wireless apps as a fundamental part of their daily lives. Government agencies utilize TCS' cyber security expertise, professional services, and highly secure deployable satellite solutions for mission-critical communications. Headquartered in Annapolis, MD, TCS maintains technical, service and sales offices around the world. To learn more about emerging and innovative wireless technologies, visit www.telecomsys.com.