The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is expected to vote soon on rules that would require U.S. wireless carriers to implement technology that would speed localized response to 988-related emergencies.
The nationwide 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides those dealing with severe mental health issues with quick access to trained professionals who can help them quickly access needed support and services. However, until now, emergency calls made from cell phones have been routed to emergency service providers based on the area code of the phone number assigned to the phone.
Under the rules slated to be implemented by the FCC, wireless carriers would be required to adopt georouting technology that would route 988 calls to 988 call centers based on the caller’s location and not their phone’s assigned area code.
Once approved by the Commission, the rules would take effect within 30 days of the effective date of the ruling for nationwide wireless carriers. Smaller, non-nationwide carriers would have up to 24 months to adopt georouting technology for 988 calls.
Additional information about the FCC’s anticipated action to adopt georouting technology for 988 calls originating from wireless phones can be found in a press release issued in late September by the FCC at https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-405769A1.pdf.
