Dial 112 for satellite
email hoax
Hoax email tells people to dial 112 if they have
no mobile phone signal and it will divert to 999 via satellite
27 July 2005
In the wake of recent terrorist attacks on the London
tube system a hoax email has been circulating with false and potentially
dangerous information for mobile phone users.
The email claims that if there is no signal, e.g.
if a mobile user is in a tube tunnel, then dialing 112 will divert
to a satellite and connect to a 999 emergency call center. This
is completely untrue.
A London Underground spokesperson said:
"This e-mail is incorrect. The 112 number does
link people through to 999, but it only works if you have a signal
on your mobile phone. If you have no signal bars on your phone,
it will not work. "It will not divert to a satellite signal."
"Even with a satellite mobile phone (which
very few people have), you would need to have a clear line-of-sight
to the satellite. You would have to be outside, not in a building
or a tube tunnel."
The email also claims that mobile phone companies
have "signed up to a satellite service". Both Orange
and Vodafone have stated this is untrue.
The email is similar to the following and should
be deleted to avoid spreading the hoax further.
"Subject: Fw: Important Information
Dear All
If you travel to work on the tube please note the following
information:
If your mobile phone has no signal (if you are in a tunnel)
if you dial 112 it will divert to a satellite signal and puts
you through to the 999 Cal Centre.
All phone companies have signed up and as it is a satellite
service it also gives them a trace to you if you do not know where
you are.
Please forward to people you know. "
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