11.22.07
Verizon Cell Phones Alert the World to 911 Calls
This was on Slashdot earlier and the original article can be found here (including a video which demonstrates the sound that is made). It seems that in order for cell phones to be handicap accessible, they are required to (in some way) alert the user that a 911 call is being made. The FCC Telecommunications Act requires that some sort of notification occurs, it doesn't, however, require that the notification be audible.
I see many of the same issues that the person who complained about this sees. You are kidnapped, held hostage, or trapped and you attempt to secretly dial 911. As soon as you dial the number, your phone essentially becomes a siren (Don't believe me? Watch the video), alerting your aggressor that you are calling the authorities. I seriously hope that Verizon rethinks this and does something more appropriate such as a message on the display, or even flashing the keypad lights.
I'm against "creating fear" but I think this is an issue that the public needs to be aware of. It could actually mean the difference between life and death in hostile situations.
