Okay so.... the FCC is thinking about about being able to text for help to emergency services. According to the article, government agencies had been thinking about expanding 911 service to the next generation. This is definitely a good use of technology expansion and trying to reach the new generation. The "Next Gen 911" project would allow people to not only text for help, but also upload images and videos. The department of transportation would put in experts to prioritize data and make the system more efficient. I am both thrilled and somewhat skeptical of the idea. I love the fact that texting would be available for emergency services. However, I don't know just how efficient that would be at first. People already call 911 for the dumbest reason and I can't even imagine what a joke some people are going to treat it as. What if someone does not reply in a timely manner and someone dies in the process? On the other hand, it can help someone who needs serious help and cannot make a phone call. I just think that texting makes the whole "asking for help" thing kind of informal. I mean it is still in the planning stages, but I just do not see it happening anytime soon. What do you guys think?
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/fcc-send-text-messages-911/story?id=12222928
If this new system helps deaf people reach 911 faster than the technology they have now, then it is worth it for that reason alone.
ReplyDeleteActually, reading the first comment, I must admit that I have not considered it from that view point. It would be helpful in that sense, but I am worried that they would not be prioritized correctly. And as many prank calls as there are these days, it seems like an awful idea for kids... But I can see how it may be useful in some situations. It's really hard to make up your mind in this situation.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the posts above, and I do think it would be good for deaf people or those who are being burglarized and are in the house. However, for the times when kids would prank call, there should be a way that the people pranking should be penalized because they are endangering other people's ability to recieve adequate help. Very interesting.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you guys too! I hadn't even considered deaf people either.. my mind was leaning towards people that are in imminent danger i.e shooting or robbery and can't talk. I am not really sure how they plan to handle the prank text which will surely follow if this gets approved or put into place. But an efficient and not too costly plan needs to be place b4 this ever get into action.
ReplyDeleteGUESS WHAT!? I agree with you guys too!!!! haha!
ReplyDeleteYea, I deff didnt think about deaf people at all when I read this. What I did think about was the state of GA and its texting rule when driving. How about if you have an emergency while you are driving and you get caught texting and you get pulled over? What are you gonna tell the officer when he says, "mam why are you texting?" Your only response will be, "I was trying to hit you up officer." I dont know about this one guys.