If there is no cellphone signal, how does the “emergency calls only” mode work?

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If there is no cellphone signal, how does the “emergency calls only” mode work?

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4 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

Because there is cellphones signal, just not for your carrier.

It is a legal requirement for cell phone providers to allow the users of any network to use there for 911 calls.

When you see that message it means you are out of network range for your carrier, but another cellphones provider does have signal.

Anonymous 0 Comments

The law requires all tower operators to allow devices to connect for the purpose of making emergency calls at a minimum. That means that if you’re on T-Mobile and there are no T-Mobile towers around, you “won’t have a signal”, but if you’re in range of an AT&T tower, then you can route your emergency call through the AT&T tower.

If you’re out in the middle of the desert with *no* towers around, then you’re just going to be SOL :

Anonymous 0 Comments

>If there is no cellphone signal, how does the “emergency calls only” mode work?

“No signal” means “no signal from your provider’s network”. There might still be other providers in range. Emergency calls can use any network, whether you paid for the access or not.

If there *truly* is no access at all, no emergency calls can be made.

Anonymous 0 Comments

The emergency call system allows the phone to operate on any network,the no cell signal is checking for your network only.

For example if you had T-Mobile you might be out of range for your tower and it’ll show no signal, but if you dial for an emergency number and Verizon had a tower nearby it’ll connect through that system.

Conversely if you are in the bottom of a 100 foot mineshaft and it says no signal, even emergency call likely will not connect.

Most modern phones are capable of using both types of cell networks, but are locked to the specific network you are subscribed to for normal calls.