For instance, if I’m located in New York and call 911, how do I end up with New York’s emergency services and not California’s?
In: Technology
What actually happens is that when you call your local phone provider (land line or cell phone) routes you to the closest emergency call center. Think of it like a shortcut. In the cell phone network this is more complex but happens by figuring out which cell towers you are closest to and routing you based on that information.
Your call actually goes to a switch, which decodes the number you dialed and then sent to another switch. This happens MANY MANY times until you’re finally connected to your intended recipient.
When you dial 911, it goes to the switch, and then the nearest 911 call center with your phone number and approximate location details. The call center then calls the appropriate police station based on your location (usually the one you give them if you’re able to speak)
Rule 2.
Better to r/askanamerican about this.
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