E-911

Your wireless phone is great to have in an emergency. However, calling 911 from your wireless phone is different from using a landline because it is dependent upon adequate signal and battery strength in order to operate properly. If you are in an area where you can't receive a signal or if the battery is low, you won't be able to make any calls, including 911. However, with adequate signal strength, a wireless phone can dial 911 even if you have disconnected your service.

Another difference when using a wireless phone is that depending on the public safety services available in your area, 911 operators may or may not be able to view your call-back number or know your location. The ability of public safety entities to collect this information from your call is known as Enhanced 911 (E-911) and is separated into two phases.

Wireless E-911: Call-Back and Location

  • One part of Wireless E-911, implemented by a public safety entity, is call-back. Your wireless phone number is displayed to 911 operators when the call is connected as well as the address of the tower serving your call. Should the call be disconnected, the operator would still have your call-back number.
  • A second part of Wireless E-911 service generally provides upgraded emergency call centers with your location when you make a call. This part is a joint venture between the public safety entity and the wireless carrier. Both play a role in providing the service, and it’s up to the public safety entity in the area to initiate the request. On Alltel's network, callers must have a GPS-capable phone in order for 911 operators to locate them.

Do you have a GPS-capable phone?

To determine if your phone is GPS-capable, look in your owner's manual or on your phone’s screen. In many cases, an icon such as a compass is displayed. If you do not have your owner's manual, most are available online at alltel.com—just click on "Step by Step Instructions." You may also bring your phone to an Alltel store or Authorized Agent for a free phone checkup to assess whether it’s GPS-capable and to learn more about upgrading your phone if it does not have this capability.

To comply with FCC mandates, Alltel only activates GPS-capable phones on our network and only sells phones that are GPS-capable.

It is important to note that a GPS-capable phone is only one part of the ability to locate a caller. The public safety entity in your area also must request and deploy Phase II technology with your wireless carrier. This life-saving technology is not yet available everywhere, but will hopefully soon be.

Want more E-911 information?

To find out more about all E-911 deployment by county, simply go to the National Emergency Number Association's Web site at nena.org and click on "Wireless" then "Wireless Deployment Profile." This information is not specific to one wireless carrier. For more information about our latest selection of phones, please visit an Alltel location or Authorized Agent near you.