Video: 911 Text Messaging Offered To 16 States

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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)-The top four cell phone carriers in the country are now offering 911 text messaging.

As of May 15th, Verizon Wireless, Sprint, T-Mobile and AT&T offer text message for people in an emergency situation.

The new service is not meant to replace emergency calls but to help in cases where a call cannot be made such as deaf people in need or some domestic violence situations.

However, many of our local 911 dispatchers cannot receive these texts because the lack of updated equipment.

As of now, the services are only offered in 16 states including: North Carolina, Vermont and Georgia.

The Federal Communications Commission requires all service providers to offer the service by the end of the year.