AT&T Begins 'Text To 911' Testing In Tennessee
AT&T will work with the Tennessee Emergency Communications Board (TECB) to provide a "text to 911" trial service that would allow AT&T wireless users to send text messages to Tennessee 911 call centers.
AT&T has begun working with public safety agencies in Tennessee to determine the best way to allow citizens to send SMS/text messages to 911 systems.
AT&T will work with the Tennessee Emergency Communications Board (TECB) to provide a "text to 911" trial service that would allow AT&T wireless users to send text messages to Tennessee 911 call centers, which are known as public service answering points (PSAPs).
The trial will use the existing ESInet and statewide IP network backbone (NetTN), which are key components in Tennessee's plan for next-generation 911.
While dialing 911 by phone remains the primary and preferred method to contact public safety agencies, the text-to-911 trial will enable PSAPs in Tennessee to begin receiving 911 SMS texts from AT&T wireless subscribers via ESInet. The trial will allow PSAPs to develop best practices and methods to receive and integrate these types of emergency communications in the future.
Over the past few years, Tennessee has invested in an advanced, statewide 911 IP (Internet Protocol) infrastructure. The text-to-911 trial will utilize concepts and designs from key industry groups working on text-to-911 standards and will leverage the National Emergency Number Association's (NENA) i3 standards and recommendations, according to AT&T.
Related:
Tennessee Highway Patrol Selects Motorola for $39M Radio Project
More Technology

Pimloc Launches Secure File Sharing to Streamline Release of Redacted Video
Pimloc’s Secure File Sharing lets organizations deliver redacted video, audio, and documents through expiring, passcode-protected links, accelerating delivery while reducing security, compliance, and chain-of-custody risks.
Read More →
2026 Vision FirstNet Users Summit to Explore How FirstNet Fusion and LMR Are Redefining Mission-Critical Communications
One of the sessions at the 2026 Vision FirstNet Users Summit will highlight hybrid devices bridging broadband and LMR. “Bridging Broadband and LMR: FirstNet Fusion and the Rise of Hybrid Devices” will explore how public safety agencies can modernize their communications environments while maintaining the reliability of land mobile radio.
Read More →
Cellebrite Expands Exclusive SkySafe Partnership to Deliver Immediate Drone Detection and Airspace Intelligence for Digital Investigations at Scale
By integrating SkySafe's drone detection and airspace intelligence with Cellebrite's platform, agencies can connect real-time and historical UAV flight data with mobile forensic evidence, all in one place.
Read More →
New DroneShield Report Reveals Serious Gaps in Airport, Critical Infrastructure Counter-Drone Security
Survey results, as part of “Airspace Under Pressure: A Global Assessment of Counter-UAS Readiness Across Airports and Critical Infrastructure,” indicate that 60% of organizations say they lack legal authority to act against unauthorized drones.
Read More →
CHP to Accelerate Evidence Redaction & Public Records Fulfillment Through Veritone Redact
With Veritone Redact, the California Highway Patrol can redact video, audio, and image-based evidence, reducing time spent on evidence preparation and public record requests.
Read More →
Echodyne Expands Public Safety Radar Applications Through Partnership with Axon
Echodyne has partnered with Axon to support safer and more scalable drone operations across law enforcement, homeland security, and Drone as First Responder programs globally.
Read More →
Miami Police Department Deploys Airwayz’s Overwatch Platform During FIFA World Cup Events
The deployment of Airwayz’s Overwatch airspace management platform during the FIFA World Cup demonstrates the future of airspace infrastructure for managing, securing, and coordinating complex urban airspace environments.
Read More →
How Patrolfinder Uses Data to Make Streets Safer
Law enforcement agencies have long relied on instinct and routine to optimize patrols. Patrolfinder uses data to help agencies see where officers go — and where they don’t — to improve visibility and maximize coverage.
Read More →
Crime Prevention by Merging Tech with Human Intervention
Elite Interactive Solutions tackles crime prevention with technology and human intervention, working closely with local police to provide insights when a response is needed. The key is to blend the latest in remote video monitoring, artificial intelligence, and a well-trained agent with eyes on the scene.
Read More →
Case Study Details Integration of Body-Worn Cameras with CAD
The Billerica Police Department (Massachusetts) improved transparency and accountability, sharpened evidence management, and reduced manual hours by integrating Axis Communications body-worn cameras with its Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.
Read More →
