In Steuben County, you can now access 911 through the use of text messaging.
The service started Thursday, and in making the announcement, county officials said “public safety has taken a major move forward.“
A tech company from Fort Wayne designed, built and operates the IN911 network for the State 911 Board, which provides service to Steuben County and 911 agencies throughout the state.
Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile and Sprint are the first carrier to provide the text-to-911 service in Steuben County.
AT&T says it too will soon offer the service.
The Federal Communications Commission has said all other wireless carriers must provide the text-to-911 service by the end of the year.