FCC Tackles 911 Dilemma: What Floor Are You Calling From? [telecom]

Historical notes:

In 1971, Seattle reported its system was working well: (middle right side)

In 1973 Altus, Okl, proudly reported its new 911 system. (lower right side)

In 1976, Beaver County, PA, reported lots of trouble building it (ride side, two articles)

Also in 1978, construction on 911 was going slowly and was troubled, as reported by this Groton, Conn, newspaper. (lower right side)

While an operations issue and not a technical one, in Philadelphia a boy died from a beating because police did not get the message. Multiple people called 911, but the operators or the system failed to properly prioritize it and by the time the cops arrived the kid was dead.

The parents sued the city and won a settlement, but they graciously said to have the money used to upgrade the city's system to one that actually worked and hopefully save future lives.

(As an aside, the offenders being 18-19, were deemed juveniles and got only five years in jail. The victim was one of mistaken identity.)