Wireless 911 & Cell Phones
What You Should Know
When calling 911 from a cell phone, your location may be displayed, but it is not as accurate or reliable as a traditional landline. Depending on your phone and network, your exact location might not be immediately available. Always be prepared to clearly state your location to the 911 dispatcher.
Wireless Location Technology
Most modern cell phones support Phase II wireless technology, which can provide your approximate location to dispatchers using GPS or cell tower triangulation. However, accuracy depends on:
Your cellular provider
The phone's GPS capabilities
Network conditions
Signal strength
While dispatchers may see your location on a map, it can sometimes be off by several hundred feet or more, especially in rural areas or indoors.
VoIP Phone Service (Internet-Based)
If you use an internet-based phone service (like Vonage, Spectrum, etc.), your 911 call may not route the same way as a traditional call. These services often rely on the address you register with the provider, and if you're traveling or haven’t updated it, emergency responders could be sent to the wrong location.
Visit the FCC page to learn more about how VoIP services handle 911 calls and what you can do to stay safe.
911 Funding and Cell Phones
Wireless 911 services are funded in part by a monthly surcharge on your cellphone bill. This surcharge is collected by your provider and distributed by the Ohio 9-1-1 Program Office to support emergency call services in each county.