Mayes County voters approved funding for Wireless Phase II 911 services in July 2006,

allowing the county to enhance emergency response capabilities for cellular phone users.

Today, Mayes County 911 is fully Phase II compliant and utilizes advanced Enhanced

911 (E911) technology to help locate callers using wireless devices. When a 911 call is placed

from a cellular phone, location information is automatically provided to the dispatcher whenever

available through the phone’s GPS and wireless network services. This technology allows

emergency responders to locate callers more quickly and accurately, especially in situations

where the caller may not know their exact location or is unable to communicate it.

Modern smartphones and most cellular devices are equipped with GPS and location

services that support Enhanced 911 capabilities. In many cases, dispatchers can receive highly

accurate location information directly from the device and wireless carrier systems. However,

the accuracy of the location can vary depending on factors such as signal strength, terrain,

weather conditions, and whether the device’s location services are enabled.

911 calls made near county lines or areas served by neighboring cellular towers may

initially route to another Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP). When this occurs, dispatch

centers work closely together to ensure calls are transferred quickly and emergency services

are dispatched without delay.

Mayes County 911 continues to work with wireless providers, neighboring agencies, and

state emergency communications partners to maintain reliable and efficient emergency

communication services for residents and visitors throughout the county.

If you have questions regarding your phone’s emergency location capabilities, please

contact your wireless service provider for additional information.