The top 10 U.S. wireless carriers have agreed to implement text - to-911 by 2020 . The plan was made public by the FCC . Once the carriers are set up , local emergency response centers will still need the proper equipment , software and training , so the feature wo n't be available instantly . Until the system is implemented , people will receive text - back messages .
The top 10 U.S. wireless carriers have agreed to implement text - to-911 by 2020 . The plan was made public by the FCC . Until the system is implemented , people will receive text - back messages .