What happens if you need emergency help and send a text message to 911?

Nothing.

Most 911 centers lack the technology to receive text messages.

But many states are making plans to link lifesaving services to users of new communication gadgets that are turning up everywhere.

Wisconsin isn't one of them.

National and state 911 experts want more state coordination so anyone can call 911 from any location with any device and receive the same level of service they expect from a land line phone.

Wisconsin leaves 911 planning up to local governments.

Local governments want more funding to pay for 911 systems.

Telecommunication companies want local governments to save money by consolidating their 911 centers.
Neither seems to want the state to get involved.

The result?

The same thing that happened with cell phones in the late 1990s.

Wisconsin's 911 centers don't provide the same level of service as centers in other states.