Why does it go to Essex Regional Wireless Center when I’m calling from Chelsea from a cellphone?
Category:
Emergency Management
911 is a state-coordinated emergency telephone system. When you dial 911, that is a specific number (like any telephone number, just three digits). There can’t be multiple disciplines with the same number or they will all ring at the same time. When you call 911 from a land-line in Chelsea, the system knows by your number where you are, and automatically routes the call to the Chelsea call center. However, if you call from a mobile phone that may have any area code or prefix, the system, in that instant, doesn't know if you're calling from Chelsea, Chelmsford or any other place in the state. Therefore, 911 calls made from a cell phone are routed to the Essex Regional Wireless Center, where they ascertain the reason for your call and route it to Chelsea 911 if necessary.
Updated 2/6/2020 8:46 AM