FCC Mandates Georouting for 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Calls

The new rules aim to enhance the effectiveness of the Lifeline by connecting callers to local crisis centers based on their physical location.

Georouting will ensure that calls to the 988 Lifeline are directed to the nearest crisis center, rather than based on the caller's area code.
National wireless carriers have 30 days to implement the new georouting rules, while smaller providers have a 24-month compliance period.
FCC's decision is expected to improve access to local resources and provide more meaningful support to individuals in crisis.
Privacy concerns are addressed by routing calls based on cell tower location rather than precise caller location.
The FCC is also considering extending georouting to text messages sent to 988, with input being solicited on this proposal.