How do cell phone signals get to the right emergency station?

Answer 1

If you want more information check out E911 at FCC.gov i believe. The FCC are the ones who regulate how this system works, but basically it depends on the cell phone and how it sends the signal. Now with most cell phones they can actually send a map of the area that you are in. Like a GPS map, it shows the area so that if your call is lost they can still find the area that you call from to within 100-300 meters. Most phone companies use some type of GPS locator in the cell phones that they use, and when 911 gets a call, they get the number, figure out which company say sprint handles the service and then Spint looks for that GPS locator in your phone and tells them where it is located.

Answer 2

This is definitely a variation of a similar story that has been pushed around the internet since 2002. Even though the legitimacy of the story can't be verified, certain parts do bring interesting thoughts to mind. If a violator is unaware of the legitimacy of a semi or totally unmarked car, use your emergency flashers and slow down. Proceed to the nearest well lighted area with other people around. MOST officers realize you are uncertain to their identity and will understand. I wouldn't suggest doing this if the patrol was fully marked....the excuse "I didn't think you were a real cop" won't fly! Law enforcement are present for the protection of the citizen and understand certain "cautions" the public take when alone on a dark roadway. There have been a few instances of offenders attempting to stop cars when impersonating officers, but this events are extremely rare. Law enforcement does aggressively pursue those cases to remove those type offenders from the streets! Blogs and emails of this nature, however, tend to send a message without any validity that causes more harm than good! As I've always said........ALWAYS consider the source of information you receive! Best wishes!

Answer 3

Well, first off they don't always. The emergency station the call is routed to is based on where the cell tower is that is in use. Most of the time this is the correct center as most cell towers serve a small area.

In my area, is an example of where this does not work. There is a road in the less populated area that runs along the water. There are no cell towers in that area. However, across the sound about 5 miles away is a tower on the other shore. It is in another county and is several hours away by road. If you make a call on that road, it gets routed to the wrong center.

Most centers are able to quickly transfer you to the correct center if you are incorrectly routed.

Answer 4

The receiving station where u call from is taking responsibility to call the nearest emergency station.