AT&T plans to let customers send pictures and videos when they call 911 for help. Emergency workers will see these images before they arrive at the scene. The new service helps first responders prepare better for what they might find. People often struggle to describe emergencies during stressful moments. Photos and videos can show the situation more clearly than words alone.
The company uses a system called ESInet to make this work. This technology replaces old phone lines with fast internet connections made from fiber cables. Emergency call centers can receive calls faster and send help more quickly. AT&T started this system in 2018 and has upgraded about 1,700 emergency centers across America. The company continues to expand this technology to more locations.
AT&T says sending emergency photos will be as simple as texting a friend. The carrier becomes the first company to offer this service to customers. Other phone companies can add similar features if they choose to do the work. The multimedia support represents a major change from traditional 911 calls that only allowed voice communication. Emergency responders expect this tool will save lives and improve response times.
Security measures protect all shared emergency information from hackers. Dispatchers use private internet connections and store data safely in the cloud. Starting next year, Toyota vehicles with AT&T service will automatically send crash details to 911 operators. The emergency data includes location information and crash severity details. Other wireless carriers may follow AT&T's lead and develop similar emergency communication tools.
The company uses a system called ESInet to make this work. This technology replaces old phone lines with fast internet connections made from fiber cables. Emergency call centers can receive calls faster and send help more quickly. AT&T started this system in 2018 and has upgraded about 1,700 emergency centers across America. The company continues to expand this technology to more locations.
AT&T says sending emergency photos will be as simple as texting a friend. The carrier becomes the first company to offer this service to customers. Other phone companies can add similar features if they choose to do the work. The multimedia support represents a major change from traditional 911 calls that only allowed voice communication. Emergency responders expect this tool will save lives and improve response times.
Security measures protect all shared emergency information from hackers. Dispatchers use private internet connections and store data safely in the cloud. Starting next year, Toyota vehicles with AT&T service will automatically send crash details to 911 operators. The emergency data includes location information and crash severity details. Other wireless carriers may follow AT&T's lead and develop similar emergency communication tools.
