Verizon Wireless launches emergency phone in U.S.
BEDMINSTER, N.J., Dec 27 (Reuters) - Verizon Wireless, the largest U.S. wireless company, said on Thursday it has begun selling a wireless phone that can identify a person's calling location and phone number to an emergency call center.
Verizon Wireless, a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ - news) and Britain's Vodafone Group Plc (quote from Yahoo! UK & Ireland: VOD.L), said customers can order the Verizon Wireless SCH-N300 E-911 capable phone from Samsung online at verizonwireless.com. Verizon Wireless expects coast-to-coast network upgrades to be completed by the second quarter of 2003.
When operating in an area where the Verizon Wireless network and the local 911 call center system have been upgraded for E-911 Phase II service, the phone will be able to automatically identify the calling location and wireless phone number to the call center, Verizon Wireless said.
By April, 65 percent of the population served by the Verizon Wireless network will be capable of transmitting location data, Verizon Wireless said. As systems are upgraded, the entire system will be completed.
The Federal Communications Commission set the beginning of October as the deadline for U.S. wireless companies to start offering improved location identification, including the sale of handsets equipped to accomplish that goal. The roll-out of E-911 location identification is slated to be completed by Dec. 31, 2005.
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