FCC wants texting apps like iMessage in text-to-911 plan

(Credit: Josh Miller/CNET)

The Federal Communications Commission wants to require all cellular carriers and Internet-based messaging providers to support text-to-911 messages.

While the four largest U.S. wireless carriers have already signed on to the plan, the U.S. agency today proposed guidelines that would require "over the top" text messaging apps -- those that are capable of sending text messages to phones -- to be part of the initiative, which is expected to operational by 2014. Apps that would presumably be part of the initiative include Apple's iMessage, BlackBerry's BBM, Android's MightyText, and Saumsung's ChatOn, among others.

While most text messages are SMS that are already carrier supported, the FCC noted that an increasing number of consumers are using Internet-based text messaging apps on smartphones and other mobile devices.

"By proposing to extend text-to-911 requirements to certain 'over the top' applications," the agency in a statement, "the FCC's proposal would ensure that as text messaging evolves, consumers will be able to reach 911 by the same texting methods they use every day."

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