SCHAUMBURG, Ill.-Cellular One of Chicago, operated by Southwestern Bell Mobile Systems, launched emergency 911 service for cellular phone users allowing callers to reach emergency assistance directly from the City of Chicago Emergency Communications Center.
Airtime is provided free of charge for emergency calls, and roaming charges for out-of-town travelers will be waived, the company said.
Prior to the launch, cellular callers dialed *999 for emergency assistance. Calls were routed to the Illinois Department of Transportation operator, who would reroute the calls to the appropriate agency.
The cellular 911 service is available in DuPage, Grundy, Kankakee, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will counties in Illinois, as well as Lake and Porter counties in Indiana.
“The primary reason our customers sign up with us for service is safety,” said Bob Nelson, president and general manager of Cellular One Chicago. “This enhanced emergency service in the city of Chicago is proof positive of our commitment to public safety.”
