Originally Posted by Tightwad
If you don't need a cell phone then don't "sign up" for any plans. You can, by law, get an
old used WORKING cell phone and carry it for emegency use of 911. ALL companies must
let ALL 911 cell calls go through at NO CHARGE...... edited
Very true! FCC (Federal COmmunications COmmission ) rules require this.
Few things to remember though if using this method of carrying around 911 access.
1: The 911 operator can NOT call you back if they need to as you have no number for them to call.
2: They may have no electronic feedback at all on your location so be ready to give explicit directions
as to your whereabouts.
I use a pre-pay Virgin fone. 20 bux a month every 90 days and no more needed unless one uses up the time which works out to 25 cents a minute. The left over dollars carry over if not used.! One thing I like about the Sprint network (and there is another though I forget the carrier) is they use cell phone based location (GPS ON the phone) to give the 911 network more accurate location information then the other type, tower based locator system (or triangulation type, if you will). Virgin uses the SPrint network.
Only a few national provider cell networks offer/use cell phone based GPS location system.
In any event, no matter what type cell phone one has always be ready with location information.
Oh, one final caveat on cell phones and 911. Just because YOUR cellphone /carrier may be in current
compliance with FCC rules regarding 911 Enhanced phase 2 services your local 911 authority may NOT be
geared up to use the information the local cell network can provide as to your exact(more or less) location. The only help I can offer there is to do your research on the web. Contact your local 911 emergency services authority if there is any doubt. I emailed mine and got a clear answer as the information the local government authority had on the web was dated and WRONG.
Oh, edit. On topic I meant to add I got my cellphone for 911 and also so I could call the animal
control authorities ( I programed several in the call book as I ride in a wide range). Nothing gives me more
joy than to see some run amok dog locked away and behind bars on way to the local ... okay I'm getting
carried away. I've yet to do it but if they give me enough trouble I got a weapon in addition to my pepper spray and a well hidden Bowie knife.
I also got that fone with me so I could call in anything unusual
I may see to the local police. Nuff said.