Q: Why are Missouri 911 Centers in trouble?
A: Some 911 centers in Missouri are in a state of financial crisis. Currently 911 service in Missouri is paid for by a percentage of your home phone line cost. With more and more residents disconnecting their home phones and using cell phones as their primary means of communication the money is dwindling fast.

Q: Don't I pay for 911 already on my cell phone bill?
A: Some cell phone companies that operate in Missouri place a 911 surcharge on their monthly bills. That amount is set by each cell phone company and is not paid to Missouri 911 Call Centers. Each company is a little different in the way they spend that 911 surcharge money.

Q: Is my local 911 center in danger of closing down?
A: Possibly, some 911 centers are better off than others. Many 911 centers in Missouri will be out of business in the next 3 years.

Q: What is the solution to the problem?
A: State legislation to provide a Wireless/VOIP 911 funding mechanism for Missouri 911 Centers. 

Q: Is it true that Missouri is the only State in the Country that doesn't have Wireless 911 Funding Legislation?
A: Yes. Surprising, but true.

Q: What can I do to help?
A: Click on the "Get Involved" tab in the menu, write your State Legistators and tell them how important 911 is to you.

Q: What if I have both a home phone and a cell phone? Will I have to pay a fee on both lines?
A: Yes. We believe it's the most fair way to assess the service fee.

Q: What is VOIP?
A: Voice Over Internet Protocol. (Internet Phones like Vonage or Lingo)

Q: Can 911 centers in Missouri receive text messages?
A: SMS messaging to and from 911 centers is a new technology that most 911 centers in Missouri can not afford.

 

If you have a question please email it to mail@save911.org or post it in the Forum.