9-1-1, Cell Phones, and You!

Cell phones and landlines are not created equal. When you call 9-1-1 on a wireline phone, the exact address of that phone’s location is provided to the 9-1-1 telecommunicator on their dispatch map. When you call on a cell phone, the location of the caller is only approximate.

The entire NCT9-1-1 region is equipped with supplemental location or blue dot location technology, which uses tech similar to rideshare and food delivery app. This offers a more accurate location of the 9-1-1 caller to the telecommunicator, but not every agency has this technology implemented into their system. That’s why it’s always important to confirm your location with the 9-1-1 telecommunicator every time.

Learn more about 9-1-1 and cell phones on this page, or use our table of contents to reach the information you’re looking for.

Table of Contents

 

Do cell phones know my location?

 

Can I text 9-1-1?

 

Where can I text 9-1-1?

Do cell phones know my exact location when I call 9-1-1?

When you call 9-1-1 on a cell phone, the telecommunicator does not have your exact location. They have your approximate location, which is usually within 100-150 meters of where you are.

Always tell the telecommunicator your location!

Can I text 9-1-1 in North Texas?

How do you text 9-1-1?

  1. Open your messaging feature.
  2. Enter “911” into send.
  3. Type out your message. Always include your location and type of emergency.
  4. Hit “send.”

You should only text 9-1-1 if:

You are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

You Have a Speech Impairment

It Is Unsafe to Call

Where can you text 9-1-1 in North Texas?

Map of North Texas that includes

When calling, or texting, 9-1-1, remember these three things:

Know your location.

Stay on the line until you are told to hang up.

Answer all questions.