T-Mobile completes successful test of wireless emergency alert via Starlink satellite
T-Mobile has announced the successful transmission and reception of a wireless emergency alert (WEA) via satellite, marking the first time this has been done in the U.S. This development aims to expand emergency alert coverage to approximately 500,000 square miles of sparsely populated, mountainous, or remote areas that previously lacked access.
"This is one of those days, as the CEO of a wireless company, that makes me pause for a moment and reflect on how technology advancements and the work we’re doing is truly impacting life and death situations," said Mike Sievert, CEO of T-Mobile.
Google Messages introduces emergency texting with RCS to contact 911
Google has launched a new feature in Google Messages that enables users to text 911 using Rich Communication Services (RCS). This functionality will first be available in U.S. regions that currently lack text-to-911 capabilities, in collaboration with emergency technology company RapidSOS.
Elmar Weber, General Manager at Android and Business Communications, emphasized the utility of this feature, stating, "Calling 911 in emergency situations isn’t always possible. This is why, in partnership with RapidSOS, we're rolling out the ability to text 911 with RCS."