I have been told that response time is poor if you call 911 using a cell phone. Is this true?

Question

This was something which Comcast told me when I was cancelling my broadband telephone service. Allegedly, if you call 911 with a cell phone you may not reach the 911 operator closest to you, which could delay response time.

Answer 1

well when you call 911 from a cell phone you get highway patrol and when you casll from a land line you get hte station. it might take a while longer for the cell phone but like always they will no where you are so they can track you down! hopefully your not planning on needing 911 anytime soon!

Answer 2

the short answer is it depends upon your 911 service provider. if there is limited staffing, then response time will slower no which method you choose. but cell phone service inherently in this situation would create longer response time. if in a rural area, then my suggestion is to use a home phone if possible.

the most desired answer is "no." cell phones are automatically locked in emergency mode once you dial it. (at the new equipment w GPS embedded)

therefore a rep from 911 must release your line before you can make another call. it is to prevent dropped calls & critical care to reach.

the call to 911 is free even if you no longer have service with the old provider.

Answer 3

I live in KY and have used my cell phone twice to call 911 and both times response time has been fast. Once was to call the fire department to report a fire as I was driving to the post office and once was here at the house to call an ambulance and they came within 5 minutes. I do not think that you will have any problems.

Answer 4

it delays response time if you cannot identify where you are. for example if you are in medical distress and call 911 from a cell phone but are visiting a friends house and don't know the address
with a land line your location automatically appears on the dispatcher's computer screen

Answer 5

I used my cell in the big city to call 911 a couple of months ago and a deputy sheriff was there in 2 minutes.

Answer 6

It depends on the 911 service in your locality, where you are when you call 911 and if they can locate your call from the nearest tower.'

Answer 7

no way. cellphones go as fast as normal phones when calling 911

Answer 8

Here response time is slow if you use a real phone [land line]
some areas the only kind of phone they have is a cell phone.
Forget EMC to find you. Better not get so sick you can't drive.
You will just have to die.

Answer 9

Not true