Word on the street is, the FCC have plans to upgrade 911 to enable it to receive multimedia content such as text messages, picture messages, and videos as well as work as a regular emergency hotline. Reasons for this upgrade cite situations where tact is necessary- i.e. if a person doesn’t want to draw attention to them while sending out a distress signal. Picture messages can also be useful to the police/medics who will be going to the scene of crime. They will know what kind of situation they will be facing and can prepare themselves before hand. Texts also only require a short-term connection to be sent out, unlike a phone call which needs a while in order for the caller to convey the message through speech. The matter is expected to be discussed at FCC’s December meeting- though plans might be approved, it will probably take awhile before it comes into full effect. With essentially no drawbacks- people can still contact 911 like they used to- enhancements like these will definitely be a boost to emergency response teams in the future.
