Minnesota WIRELESS Foundation

Unintentional Wireless 9-1-1 Calls Causing System Congestion

ST. PAUL, MN, Oct. 17, 2000 - Have you "mysteriously" called someone with your wireless telephone without realizing you have done it? There have been a significant number of unintentional or accidental 9-1-1 calls from wireless telephone users in recent months. The Metropolitan 9-1-1 Board together with representatives from the wireless telephone carriers and the emergency communications 9-1-1 centers throughout the metropolitan area have been working together to try to discover why.

Many of the wireless telephones in use today have pre-programmed, one button dialing for 9-1-1 or speed dial features that appear to be causing the problem. The buttons are getting pushed accidentally in the user's purse, on their belt, or in their pocket and the telephone automatically dials 9-1-1. When the emergency communications dispatcher answers the 9-1-1 call they can hear background noise, but often aren't able to attract the caller's attention. The dispatcher will try to determine if the call is a real emergency or unintentional which takes time and resources away from the other emergency calls they are working with.

The Metropolitan 9-1-1 Board recommends that all wireless telephone users follow these simple steps to help prevent this problem:

- Check your telephone user manual or contact your service provider's retail outlet to find out if your wireless telephone has a pre-programmed "Emergency 9-1-1" button. If it does, ask them how to disable it.
- LOCK YOUR KEYPAD. Most wireless telephones have a feature that locks or disables the keypad to prevent accidental dialing. Get in the habit of using it. You may even find your bill is lower and save some money.
- Turn off your telephone when you aren't using it or expecting any important calls. This works particularly well if you have voice mail. Your battery will last longer and you won't be embarrassed by a ringing telephone at an inappropriate time.
- If you realize you have accidentally called 9-1-1, DON'T HANG UP. Please stay on the line until the emergency communications dispatcher answers. You won't get in trouble and will save the dispatcher several valuable minutes by simply explaining that you accidentally dialed the wrong number.

Taking a few minutes now to better understand how your wireless telephone works may save you time, money, embarrassment, and who knows, maybe a life!    
   
About the Minnesota Wireless Foundation
The Minnesota Wireless Foundation, founded in May 2000, is a philanthropic organization whose goal is to educate the public about using wireless phones safely and responsibly. More information about the Foundation can be found on the Internet at http://www.minnesotawireless.org.

About the Metropolitan 9-1-1 Board
The Metropolitan 9-1-1 Board was established by Joint Powers Agreement between the seven metropolitan counties to oversee the 9-1-1 system in the metropolitan area of Minneapolis / St. Paul.