Comments on: Emergency-only cell service

By: bluntmoney

bluntmoney — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:07:52 +0000

Linda, that’s a good question. I wonder if one of the phone companies would have the answer. In theory you’d think it would go to the nearest tower, but I don’t know that for sure.

By: Linda

Linda — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:04:44 +0000

I’ve learned that if you travel, any call to 911 on your cell phone will be routed to the tower where your phone was activated in and not the tower where you are. If a phone is not activated through a provider, where would the 911 call go?

By: bluntmoney

bluntmoney — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 22:59:08 +0000

Thanks for the info guys, I’ve edited my post to reflect it.

By: NewGirl

NewGirl — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 15:26:11 +0000

I’m pretty sure Clever Dude is right – 911 is always a free call, even if you don’t have a cell phone plan. All you need is a phone with a charged battery. So pretty much these people are selling a $50 phone, just like any other phone with no contract. There are various programs out there that ask people to donate their old phones with chargers, which are then given to victims of domestic violence so that they can place a 911 call if necessary. Anyone who is getting rid of their phone should consider donating.

By: Clever Dude

Clever Dude — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 14:18:51 +0000

Any deactivated cell phone by law must be able to dial 9-1-1, even if it doesn’t have service. I’d say test it with any of your old cell phones, but I’d be cautious about calling 9-1-1 when you don’t need to…