Abstract: Systems and methods for handling text messages directed to special numbers, such as emergency text messaging, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for routing a geographically-sensitive text message comprises receiving, at an intermediate router (between the sender and service point), a geographically-sensitive text message from a sending device that was sent to a universally known calling number. A present physical location of the sending device is determined based upon a knowledge of physical coordinates of the sending device, and based at least in part on the sending device's physical location, a proper service point (e.g., PSAP) to which the text message is to be routed is determined. The text message may be reformatted into a text output format of a text output display employed at the service point. The router sends the reformatted text message to the identified proper service point for display on the text output display.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to geographic referenced telephone switching. 9-1-1 emergency telephone calls are routed to alternative public safety answering points (PSAPs) based on the caller's location in relation to the proper emergency service provider and the availability of primary and backup PSAPs. Essentially the formatter gathers and verifies caller information, matches transmission formats with the a determined call destination, generates and transmits a data communication with caller information, and terminates the phone call at the proper endpoint. In certain embodiments, calls that would typically be routed to PSAP equipment are routed to non-standard PSAP devices such as a cellular telephone operable to receive text messages.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for ensuring that calls from emergency responders and public safety answering points are connected to prepaid wireless or voice over internet protocol devices where the accounts associated with such devices have no remaining credit. According to certain embodiments of the invention a prepaid intercept is provided that enables telephone calls from certain entities to be connected to prepaid wireless devices, regardless of whether the accounts associated with such prepaid wireless devices have remaining credit. Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for determining whether an incoming call to a prepaid wireless device is from a public safety answering point and validating all calls from a public safety answering point.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to geographic referenced telephone switching. Geospatial (e.g., XY or XYZ) coordinates are created in order to route 911 emergency telephone calls based on the caller's location in relation to the proper emergency service provider. Essentially the router gathers and verifies customer user information, matches transmission formats with telephone company provided equipment for 911 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs), routes calls based on their existing location, and terminates the phone call in the PSAP with the proper ANI (Automatic Number Identification) and ALI (Automatic Location Information) provided. In addition, due to the capabilities of the geographic referenced system, in certain embodiments, the movement of emergency service needs can be anticipated (or predicted) and PSAPs may be conferenced together so that they can respond as a single unit to someone who may be traveling.