Operators will have to support emergency text messaging under ofcom plans

[pctech]

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/02/24/universal_service/

Seems like a mad idea ripe for abuse by the yoof.

[kinmel]

Youfs won't want the problems of using the scheme, phones must be pre-registered and then validated.  In Germany the mobile phone companies disconnect and bar any phone that has been used to make false alarms, thereafter that phone is just a brick.

An expensive joke to play.

[pctech]

Ah yes, missed thast bit.

[Rik]

Which makes it a good idea...

[pctech]

For deaf people certainly, not quite sure how well the cell positioning will work if you are only within range of a singal cell a couple of miles away although of course they can get a rough idea from antenna sector it is connected to and the strength.

[Rik]

Not just deaf, Mitch, but those unable to speak, eg in the middle of an asthma attack.

[pctech]

Indeed, I expect a lot of phones manufactured for the UK market may start to have GPS by default and not just the high end ones as now.

[Rik]

Although how well that would work indoors is moot. I'd create a range of SMS templates myself so I could point and push.