FCC: 911 texts coming in 2015

People who are in danger will be able to text 911 for help under new rules from the Federal Communications Commission.

{mosads}The FCC is moving forward with a plan that will let people send and receive emergency text messages to and from 911 as part of a plan to develop “Next Generation” emergency services.

Text-to-911 emergency services will be available by June 30, 2015, or sooner in some areas, the agency said Monday. This system will serve as an alternative to calling for help if the person in danger doesn’t want an intruder to hear them talking on the phone.

“These rules will provide the public with an additional means through which individuals can reach emergency services,” the FCC wrote in the Federal Register.

The FCC noted that 91 percent of adults own a cellphone, and, over the last few years, texting has become even more popular than calling. So the agency found it as no surprise that a growing number of people are demanding text-to-911 emergency services.

“In light of these trends and the importance of ensuring effective 911 service — particularly for those who cannot access 911 call centers with a voice call … we believe that text-to-911 capability is a necessary first step in the development of Next Generation (NG) 911 capabilities,” the agency wrote.