Mar 5, 2004 12:00 PM

State of California Assemblywoman Patricia Bates has called for an audit of the state’s wireless 911 system as the first step in an investigation into alleged answering delays being suffered by cellular phone subscribers. Bates said cellular callers often have to wait “several minutes’ before reaching a 911 operator because the system is “clearly overwhelmed.” Wireless 911 calls currently are routed through a California Highway Patrol call center, Bates said the call center has experienced a “dramatic increase” in 911 calls, handling more than 8 million last year. Bates added that the audit would identify the areas where on-hold times are longest and “shed light” on the obstacles that have slowed the state’s wireless enhanced 911 services upgrade.

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