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Some Pixel owners still can't dial 911 during an emergency (androidauthority.com)

395 points by vpt · 1059 days ago · 265 comments on HN

Article summary

Some Google Pixel smartphone users are still experiencing issues with dialing 911 emergency services, despite a related bug being fixed in 2022. The problem has been reported on multiple Pixel models, and users have found that test calls can help confirm if emergency calling is working on their device. The issue is not fully understood and may be related to various factors, including carriers and Wi-Fi calling. Google has been contacted for a statement and further information.

Main themes

  • Emergency calling reliability
  • Pixel device issues
  • Network and carrier problems
  • Smartphone design priorities
  • Regulatory oversight and penalties
  • Testing and troubleshooting emergency calling

What commenters say

  • The current system for emergency calling is flawed and should be redesigned to prioritize reliability and simplicity.
  • Dropping to 3G or 2G networks is not a viable solution due to their impending shutdown.
  • The issue may be specific to Pixel devices, with other brands having fewer reported problems with emergency calling.
  • Google should face penalties, such as fines or certification revocation, for not ensuring reliable emergency calling functionality on their devices.
  • The problem may be related to the complexity of modern smartphones, which prioritize computer-like functionality over basic phone capabilities.
  • Test calls can help identify issues with emergency calling, but there may be limitations and potential consequences to this approach.
  • The root cause of the issue is unclear and may involve a combination of software and hardware factors, including cellular modem tuning and network connectivity.