Schumer: NYC Metro Area Should Have Text Access To 911

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) advised Sunday that the New York City metro area should be able to text a 911 dispatcher in the event of an emergency, as some upstate counties already can.

Speaking at his Midtown East office, Schumer urged the Federal Communications Commission to launch text-to-911 services throughout the state, including New York City and Long Island.

"If 20 counties across upstate New York can text to 911, why shouldn't New York City, Long Island, and other parts of the metropolitan area be able to? But we can't," Schumer said. "New York City wants this technology. They've been working to reach the finish line where they can get it. But it's not there yet, and you have many different parties who have to cooperate."

Schumer said many times, people are in dangerous situations where they cannot speak over the phone, but a text message could save their lives.

He said the massacre at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, which killed 49 people earlier this month, is a perfect example.

Schumer asked phone carriers and the FCC to work with the city to get the program moving forward.