Mission

The mission of the Rhode Island E 9-1-1 Uniform Emergency Telephone System is to provide a simple and expeditious way for Rhode Island residents and visitors to request assistance in an emergency by dialing "9-1-1" on a wireline or wireless instrument, telephone or device.

Those requests are received in a central statewide communications center and are transferred to the appropriate local public safety and emergency medical response units for rapid response.

About

Rhode Island is one of two states in the country to provide enhanced 9-1-1 (E 9-1-1) emergency services on a statewide basis. Trained 9-1-1 Telecommunicators employ advanced telephone and computer technologies to process all 9-1-1 police, fire and rescue calls originating within the State of Rhode Island. The system automatically identifies the location of wireline calls, making it unnecessary for a wireline caller to verbally communicate an address or public safety jurisdiction. Calls are transferred instantaneously to the appropriate agency for response.

Most Rhode Island wireless telephone subscribers receive FCC Phase I/II wireless 9-1-1 services. The system's operations are partially funded by a surcharge on the state's telephone subscribers.

Title 39

Public Utilities and Carriers