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Comment by Dobbs

2 years ago

Being able to call 911 is an essential part of a phone. To the point that Apple (and I'm assuming Google) both allow calling emergency services while the phone is locked.

In lots of countries it's also possible to call emergency numbers without a sim card.

  • When you take the SIM out of an iPhone (or turn off your eSIM), it displays “SOS” instead of a carrier ID.

    • Yes, because 3GPP defines requisite emergency call flow, and FCC require phones able to make emergency calls without SIM. It's not a gesture of generosity.

  • It's not just possible, it is a feature of the GSM system. As far as I know it is a requirement in Europe.