The 411 on 911 and cell phones

Since moving to Cape Girardeau, I've probably called 911 five or six times. Most of the calls involved other people -- rowdy neighbors across the alley who sounded as if they were going use tire irons on one another. I dialed 911 most recently late one night while crossing Main Street on the way to my car after celebrating a coworker's birthday. A half-block away, a cluster of people were shouting ever louder. As the operator answered my call, someone broke a bottle. The police arrived within seconds and broke up the fight.

Only recently did I learn that not one cent of my considerable cell phone bill helps support the 911 services. And while I have come to equate dialing 911 with fisticuffs, the police scanner in the newsroom tells a different tale. People call 911 over car accidents, seizures, a fall from a roof, the scent of smoke or the sight of a flame.

Depending on who is telling the statistical story, our cell phones account for between 40 and 80 percent of 911 calls being received around the state. We are more likely to report highway mishaps from behind the wheel and, while there's probably a statistic for better citizenship on that score, those on the receiving end feel a different kind of pressure. More calls means the need for more 911 operators.

House phones and office phones are taxed to support emergency calls. Since moving to Missouri, I've given up having a landline, as many others have. That means less money for 911 -- or, that we cell phone-only users are getting something for nothing.

In Missouri, the Christian County Commission voted this month to put a 1/4-cent retail sales tax on the April 7 ballot to support its 911 operations.

In Nebraska, cell phone users pay 50 cents extra on their monthly bills to help fund 911 services; in Michigan, charges vary by county and range from less than 25 cents to more than $2.50. I've not been able to confirm that Missouri is the last state without a cell phone tax, but if not, it's darn close.

In Friday's edition of the Washington, Mo.-based Missourian newspaper, an editorial put it bluntly: "There is absolutely no justification for not taxing cell phone holders for the 911 tax."

Missouri legislators are looking at putting a 25-cent tax on cell phones throughout the state, but at a recent Jefferson City hearing state senators delivered a clear message: no 911 money unless counties and cities find a way to consolidate operations.

But they still have to provide the 911 services -- that's the law. The Federal Communication Commission has added another imperative on local emergency responders. By Sept. 11, 2012 -- and no, I have no idea who picked that date -- those answering 911 when we dial from our cell phones must be able to locate us. This seems like an easy fix, but involves adding more technology to existing systems, in some cases a complete overhaul.

Until someone figures out how cell phones can pay for the services we get as well as the improvements the federal government says we must have, here are a few tips:

If you call 911 from a cell phone, be ready to state your location (street, city county) or at least provide some landmarks so you can be found.

And consider dropping a dime on your lawmakers to let them know where you stand on cell phone taxes for 911.

Questions, suggestions or tips for Lost on Main Street? E-mail pmcnichol@semissourian.com or call 573-388-3646.