Hi: I've tried to submit this idea to the FCC and they basicly said contact each moble handset manufacturer. I don't know if any of them use this site but I'm try to make the system better. Maybe if enough people see this and think it's a great idea, something may be added to future cell phones. Here goes...

To Whom It May Concern:

Is there a way to suggest an idea for cell phones? Something that can be passed on to manufactures or mandated to them if it would potentially save lives?

My suggestion would be due to the many persons that have gone missing in remote areas that have no cellular service. Imagine having cell phones that can relay calls to 911 or text messages to 911 from one cell phone to the next. If for example someone were hiking up in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) and gets lost or trapped (I just read about the guy a few years ago in Utah that got his hand trapped under a bolder). If they were able to send a text message to 911 and they were out of signal range of any cell service, but they happen to be within range of any other cell phone, that cell phone could receive the message and display the text message and GPS information of the person who originated the message if they themselves were out of range. I know if I saw a message while I was in RMNP that said 911 call, please notify 911 services or travel to a service area so this message can be relayed. If they were in range of a cell site or another cell phone, the phone could automatically relay the message to another cell phone or if it can relay the message to a cell site, then send a message back to the previous cell phone that it has reached it's destination and assistance is on the way, or other information.

For lost people, this could help them be found quickly, perhaps with a small team of searchers rather than hundreds, especially for lost children if they have cell phones like most do now days. For trapped people this would get assistance quickly saving lives (and us from stories like the hiker in Utah, especially if he got a message back saying help is on the way). This may even help those victims caught in avalanches where there cell phones are not able to reach a cell tower but maybe a cell phone above the snow of someone searching for victims. In this case, have something above the snow that could trigger cell phones to act as a transponder.

All this said, the manufactures may want to add these features so they can sell more of their equipment (We proudly support the FCC's 911 cell relay system, because we care. Buy our phones.). They may open themselves up to a much younger market. Maybe parents don't want a full cell phone in the hands of kids but some of those cell phones that can call "just mom and dad" and now act as an emergency locater? I think I would have purchased one of those if they had one when my kid was real young.

If you do pass this on for me, please let me know. I would be very glad to hear any news that any company is going to work on it.

What do you think of this idea or comment?
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