File this story under “Hard to believe, but true.” Any cell phone can be used to call 9-1-1 emergency service, even if your cell phone is old and you don’t have an active cell phone account.
Fact is, Federal Communications Commission regulations state that all cell phone providers – even free government cell phone companies — must take 9-1-1 calls from any cell phone. And that even includes old cell phones gathering dust in your closet or junk drawer.
You don’t need an active service contract nor a “live” phone number. You can use any old cell phone as long as its battery is charged.
However, here are a few things you should keep in mind:
Using your cell phone to make a 9-1-1 call might slow down the response time of emergency personnel.
Unfortunately, 9-1-1 technology was developed long before cell phones were invented. When you call 9-1-1 from a landline, the address of that landline quickly pops up so the dispatcher knows exactly where you are located. It doesn’t work the same way with cell phones because they are not tied to a specific address and your emergency may occur far from home.
“For instance, in Oakland, California, all 911 calls from cell phones are routed to the California Highway Patrol,” CNN reports. “That’s great if I’m reporting a car accident on the Bay Bridge. But it might not be as efficient if my house is on fire.”
In fact, the Oakland Police Department has issued the following advice, “DO NOT CALL 911 from a cell phone. When you call 911 from a cell phone, the call is routed to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The CHP then has to reroute the call to your local police or fire dispatcher, losing precious time.”
Another potential problem is that since your cell phone isn’t linked to a specific address, dispatchers may be unable to pinpoint your location as rapidly as they can identify the source of a landline call. If your emergency takes place is a weak cell zone and you lose lose your connection, it may be impossible for emergency responders to track you down.
Consumer Reports observes, “Landline and VoIP 911 give the operator your home address, including an apartment number if it appears on your phone bill. With cellular, operators see only geographic coordinates.”
The report continues by saying, “With all phone technologies, the operator asked respondents for their location at the start of the call in at least three of every four calls, perhaps if only to verify the address on the screen on landline and VoIP calls. But if you can’t speak—if you’re incapacitated or distraught, for example—it’s clearly a huge advantage if your address automatically shows up on the operator’s screen.”
To sum it all up, you can call 9-1-1 from any old cell phone as long as its battery is charged. But it’s probably safer to call from a landline if you possibly can.
Source: Consumer Reports
Marty Pidcock says
Unaware of the free cell phone offer, I recently bought a cell phone for 911 service only- nothing else. Can I use my phone to call 911 just by putting the battery in it, and making sure it’s charged?
GRACE A FISHER says
What I was looking for was free 911 service from my cellphone, the account has been cancelled. Just wanting to make sure I can still call 911 if needed. I am a senior, on a limited income, and I don’t ever use my cellphone, so why pay for a contract.
Sarai says
So can you still contact the police without service on a cell phone? Sorry, I’m a bit confused.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Most people don’t know this, Sarai, but you can call 9-1-1 on any cell phone — even if you don’t have an account — as long as the phone is operating properly.
Rosetta Leach says
I recently was held hostage for two days in an outdoor shed, temperatures in the 20’s,
I was advised to have old cell phone located in the two out buildings of my farm. I got one yesterday and charged it up. Dialed 911 to test it out, and it says must have a SIM card. Is that true?
Free Government Cell Phones says
No way for us to know if it’s true, Rosetta, without knowing the tech specifics of your situation. Contact your free government cell phone service provider’s customer service or tech support team.
Brieanne Mackay says
my boyfriend took my cell phone and i need the police to come to my house. how do i do that?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We are experts on the free government cell phone program, Brieanne, NOT on law enforcement. But our dear ol’ grandpappy would say, “Call 9-1-1.”
Teri Lee says
If the phone is an old phone and not connected to an account, would they be able to locate you?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Yes. All working cell phones with a working battery work with the 9-1-1 system even if you do not have an account.
ann says
thnak you for infomring me of this . i had no idea i just assumed thatr cell phone ere as good as landline phones.
Melina says
I think my sister needs this phone really bad because when she is home alone she don’t have nothing to call us with she stays at home because she sometimes don’t want to go to grandma’s with us. We just need a emergency phone at home incase something happens.
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Yes, she should have a phone. But what’s going on with her and grandma?
Telephone system Toronto says
Add important number on your hot list because every one needs these numbers like Police, near Hospital, Emergency etc. numbers that u can easily dial these numbers.
Regards
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InLineCom
Free Government Cell Phones says
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