Hamilton Emergency Services is once again reminding residents of limitations involving cellular phones and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) telephone services when calling 911.

The traditional 911 system, based on the use of landlines, ensures that when you call 911, the call is routed to the correct 911 call centre. This 911 call includes electronic data that provides the call taker with automatic address and telephone number information to ensure that emergency personnel will find the caller even if they are not able to speak or if the call is lost. This service is known as enhanced 911.

When dialing 911 from a cellular phone, electronic data with location information is not automatically available to the emergency operator. Most cellular providers now have an enhanced 911 service that allows emergency operators to view the wireless caller's phone number and the location of the cellular tower handling your call, but not the specific location from which the call is being made or where the emergency is. It is up to the caller to describe the exact location of the emergency.

Areas of the Hamilton that border neighbouring municipalities may have cellular towers that will receive a call and transmit it to an emergency operator in another municipality. As a result, the 911 call taker may not be familiar with the address or location. The 911 call taker will make every effort to verbally confirm your location and advise the appropriate emergency services.

Subscribers to VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) telephone services may not be aware of limitations in accessing 911 during an emergency. VoIP is a telephone service that connects calls through the Internet as a means of communicating with other phones.