911 call without signal

[Extremebowman]

I've googled, but gotten no definitive answer. I've been told that even if you dont have cell service, if you dial 911 you can get emergency help via Satelite. Anyone heard of this or if it's legit? I'm not talking Yukon out of range, just typical Texas hunting out of range situations.

[paco]

Following this......

[mojorider]

Goog question....but how would they know you need help if you can't signal? My guess is, no signal = no emergency response.

[RascalArms]

I've heard the same....but don't see how without service? Maybe LEO's can chime in?

[47]

Cell service and cell signal are 2 different things.

YES most(if not all, by now) cell phones will dial 911 even without an active mobile plan/account. Without a signal...no dice.

[Extremebowman]

That has always been my thought, no signal = no help. I was talking to a buddy and told him as a single dad with 2 little ones (6&7) I'm always worried being afield if something happened to me while they're with me. He said 911 still works via Satelite. Just so dsting if that's true?

I have a 14 yo too, he'd probably just finish hunting and load me up later

[BubbaHFD]

Yes......any cell phone regardless of service or activation will call 911. So that old cell phone in the dresser that hasn't had service for a couple years, if it will turn on, will call 911

[kd8jgu]

Cell phones will call 911 anywhere
even if your service has been cancelled the phone will do 911 calls
If will search for any service tower (any cell company)

[Extremebowman]

Cell service and cell signal are 2 different things.

My understanding is YES most cell phones will dial 911 even without an active mobile plan/account.

I know this is true, that's an FCC reg to connect to the nearest cell tower regardless of plan or provider.

I also know most current smart phones can ping satellites too. So, in the event of no cell service, I wonder if 911 can / will go thru Satelite? Where you at Smart, you know this kinda stuff!

[47]

I know this is true, that's an FCC reg to connect to the nearest cell tower regardless of plan or provider.

I also know most current smart phones can ping satellites too. So, in the event of no cell service, I wonder if 911 can / will go thru Satelite? Where you at Smart, you know this kinda stuff!

Some phones, yes.

[tex4k]

I don't know the answer, but there are a lot of areas out here where you have no cell signal. If you try to make a call you get a pop up that says emergency calls only. Then there are places where there is nothing, no signal, no pop up, no nothing. So I would say you could get emergency service with minimum signal strength.

[47]

More info:

http://www.fcc.gov/guides/wireless-911-services