Residents in Atlanta experienced disruptions in cellular service impacting AT&T customers which subsequently led to the partial shutdown of the city’s E-911 non-emergency lines, authorities said Wednesday. Atlanta's E-911 communications division confirmed they were still able to handle emergency calls despite the cellular issues.
According to an Atlanta Police Department announcement, the disruption began affecting various other cell phone carriers following the initial incident with AT&T. The breakdown in service means the Atlanta E-911 can't take non-emergency calls dialed to 404-658-6666 and 311, leaving residents with fewer options to report issues not requiring immediate police, fire, or medical response.
While the problem persists, the police have rolled out alternatives for contacting E-911. Atlantans can still reach out for help via text or through the Atlanta E-911 Web Portal. Authorities are encouraging residents to use these methods until the lines are restored. "Options to report calls to 911 are Text to 911 and the Atlanta E-911 Web Portal," says the Atlanta Police Department.
