Google and RapidSOS Bring the Ability to Text 911 with RCS to U.S. Emergency Call Centers
(NEW YORK) June 6, 2024 – Google and RapidSOS today announced that the companies will begin gradually rolling out RCS (Rich Communication Services) based text-to 911 to emergency call centers across the U.S. this winter. The rollout will start in areas where text-to 911 capabilities are currently not supported to close gaps in emergency communications coverage and provide new safety benefits. First available on Google Messages, emergency texting with RCS will bring critical safety communications capabilities to users, like being able to quickly confirm the delivery of a message, see if emergency responders are actively replying, send high-resolution images and videos of the situation, and automatically share location with emergency responders using Android Emergency Location Services.
Today, U.S. Federal Communications Commission data indicates only 53 percent of U.S. 911 centers can receive a text message. “For too long we’ve asked our first responders to manage millions of emergencies with little more than a voice connection,” said Brian Fontes, President of the National Emergency Number Association (NENA). “I’m excited to see that paradigm be transformed for 911 agencies across the United States.”
RCS based text-to 911 will be made available at no cost to every 911 agency across the United States. Rich Communication Services (RCS) is a modern, IP-based messaging service based on the GSMA’s universal RCS profile. Emergency texting with Rich Communications Services (RCS) builds upon a growing list of safety features for Android users including, the Personal Safety app, Emergency SOS, Scheduled Safety Checks, and Crash and Fall detection. Google continues to invest in the safety of its users by providing solutions to help protect them at home and on the go.
“Emergency texting with RCS in Google Messages will bring critical safety communications capabilities previously unavailable to users when they need it most,” said Elmar Weber, GM, Android and Business Communications. “Our goal is to make RCS the standard for emergency services texting everywhere, and we’re inviting the ecosystem to partner with us to provide reliable emergency messaging for everyone.”
“911 telecommunicators do extraordinary work managing 250 million emergencies per year,” said Michael Martin, RapidSOS CEO. “We are excited to partner with Google to close this critical link ensuring Android users can reach 911 via text during an emergency.”
This work comes as RapidSOS announces a suite of new solutions for public safety as part of its Innovation Day including messaging, multimedia, and RapidSOS HARMONY, the first AI copilot for safety and emergency response.
Public Safety agencies can learn more about the service including the timeline for rollout and FAQs in the RapidSOS Training Center, inside of RapidSOS UNITE.
About RapidSOS
RapidSOS is an intelligent safety company that harnesses artificial and human intelligence to fuse life-saving data from 540M+ connected devices, apps, and sensors from 200+ global technology companies to over 21,000 public safety agencies in six countries. Whether there’s an unsafe moment or an emergency, RapidSOS Ready devices, vehicles, homes, or buildings deliver essential data to the right place when it matters most. Learn more at www.RapidSOS.com.