Can you call 911 from landline phone without service?

Question

We have only cell phones, but someone said that if you use your landline phone you can call 911 even without a service company.

Answer 1

Most of the time.

It is called a soft connection.  Telco's leave the line active but restricted.

This is done in the event of non pay disconnects and in vacant premises as well, especially apartments.   I don't know if there is a time limit on this

before it goes completely dead.

Answer 2

It depends. If you plug into a jack & you have dial tone then you have what can be called a "QDT" or quick dial tone line. Those are not always available everywhere. They are used alot in apartments. They are restricted lines that enable the company to turn the service on with in a few hours of an order.

If you have no dial tone then the line is completely off & you won't be able to dial 911.

Answer 3

yes you can. it happened to me. the kids were playing with the phone and dialed 911. i didn't know it until an officer came to the door. i was so embarrassed! the only thing is they can't call back to check if the call is real.

Answer 4

There needs to be a dial tone.  This is not offered/required in all areas.  No dial tone = no 911 service.