The Department of Communications has launched a Pilot 112 SMS Service which is targeted for users who have special needs and cannot make a telephone call to access the emergency services. The Pilot is due to run for a period of 6 months. The purpose of the Pilot is to understand the demand, realibility, suitability and praticalities around providing access to the emergency services using SMS before a decision is made whether SMS can be fully adopted for access to 112. (Three, O2, Vodafone eMobile and Meteor) have agreed to participate in the Pilot on a voluntary basis.
There are very serious limitations to SMS services and this means that there are inherent risks associated with using SMS for the purpose of accessing emergency services. In particular, SMS is a non real time service, therefore mobile operators cannot guarantee delivery of the SMS. It is accordingly possible that an emergency message may not be received at all by the emergency services or that it may be delayed. In addition, location information will not be transmitted with the SMS to the emergency services and location details must be included in the text by the customer.
Please note that mobile customers’ participation in the Pilot is voluntary. Meteor does not accept any liability whatsoever for any damages and/or losses arising from the use of the Pilot 112 SMS Service and in particular delivery failure or delay. Customers are advised where possible to use alternative communication methods when contacting the emergency services in an emergency situation.
Customers with special needs wishing to participate in the Pilot must register, see ComReg’s dedicated website which fully details the Pilot 112 SMS service.
www.112.ie
