When using a celluar telephone to call 911 you will need to give the operator your location, as all states do not have the ability to see where you are located. One of the most important pieces of information after your location is your cell number you are calling from. This is so that if you and the operator become disconnected due to weather and/or area conditions, the center is able to re-establish contact with you. Be aware of your surroundings, such as buildings, road signs, highway signs, and/or the last town you passed through and the direction you are headed. This information will help the operator pinpoint your location easier.

Phase I

Mostly all states are Phase I compliant for celluar 911, which gives the operator your telephone number and the tower your cell phone is using at the time.

Phase II

Most states are working towards being phase II compliant, which will give your telephone number and your location by longitude and latitude, which inturn we are able to look up your approximate location within a 400 yard radius. If you are in your vehicle and are still moving,  you will need to pull over and stop for Phase II to work more accurately. All Kansas Counties are workig towards being able to handle cellular Phase II calls, but the process will take some time to purchase and install the equipment necessary to provide this service

Phase II works off of your GPS enhanced phone, which most cell phones from around 2004 and present have this capability. You also have to have your location indicator turned on in your settings of your current phone. Contact your cell dealership for more information.  Below is a list of Cell Companies with 911 education.

T-Moble Alltel FCC

VOIP

Voice over internet protocol is becoming very popular and the need to understand the use of VOIP and 911 is imperative.  At this time, most users are not keeping their location updated, therefore, when they call 911 they will not receive the needed assistance.  Example:  If you are in California visiting, and you are using your lap top and call 911, the ALI screen will show your home address and whatever phone number you have assigned to you by your provider.  The call will go to your residential PSAP not the 911 center in California.  Every time you travel, you need to update your location status so that if you do need to call 911 the correct local emergency agency will be responded to your location.  This technology is being evaluated to provide the user and the PSAP with more accurate information, but the responsiblity of the user is to keep your location status updated

Ford County Communications is Phase I, Phase II and VOIP compliant.

Texting is the next phase and it will still be awhile before we are able to provide this service.