Comment by fluidcruft
2 years ago
All cell phones with 911 functionality should have a way to periodically test that the 911 feature is fully functional. The reality is that I rarely even make a phone call anymore... but I don't even know whether being able to make a call implies 911 works? And I don't know if its still true but there used to be pretty significant fines for calling 911 so I'm not just going to dial 911 and say "making sure this still works!" The phone should just be doing various deadman switch type tests on the network/911 health-checks and report to me whether it is working or not working. It has a freaking GPS and can identify cell towers, so it should be pretty trivial to maintain test data and schedule. Relying on life-critical devices that can't be tested seems really sketchy.
> I rarely even make a phone call anymore
This is true for many young people. Turns out phone calls are pretty much the only time the earpiece speaker gets used on a phone. Lots of people have killed their earpiece speaker by filling it with sand, salt, water, lint, etc. Speakers seem to die more easily when never used, presumably because use vibrates dirt out. End result: When they call 911 they can't hear anything.
My phone currently has a dead earpiece speaker, and I just know that if I need to call 911, it better be on speakerphone.
1) Facetime 2) People listening to any audio will use the earpiece speaker
I only ever listen to audio on my phone through my headphones (no exaggregation, 100% of time during last 5 years). I guess in case of an emergency I won't have time to connect them before the call. I also don't use facetime. So for me the GP remark is certainly true.
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https://www.911.gov/calling-911/frequently-asked-questions/
From that link: Test calls confirm that your local 911 service can receive your 911 call and has the correct location information. Test calls can be scheduled by contacting your local 911 call center via its non-emergency phone number.
I'm sure that's labor intensive, and the only reason they can provide such a service is that almost no one uses it.
No, this is entirely untrue.