TeleCommunication Systems has reached at least 500 public safety answering points in various states to roll out a service that allows individuals to send emergency text messages to PSAPs via message session relay protocol and direct IP methods.
TCS said Friday it has implemented the text-to-911 messaging service in California, Alabama, Florida, and 30 other states since its participation in the interoperable deployment of the service in May 2014.
The rise in the number of PSAPs that accept text-to-911 messages has led to a 70 percent increase in the number of delivered short messages to 911, according to the company.
“TCS is fully committed to supporting public safety with the ability to send text messages to 911 as the first step in delivering the value of user-generated data – text, pictures, and video – during an emergency situation,†said Lynne Seitz, senior vice president of safety and security group at TCS.
The company said it intends to extend the service to 300 more PSAPs.