By AP
Nashville, TN – Tennessee's 911 dispatch centers will soon be installing new digital equipment capable of receiving texts, but officials say it may be a while before the system works effectively. Tennessee is one of several states working to install the Next Generation 911 statewide. Installation is scheduled to begin next month and is expected to be completed within 12 to 18 months. Officials say getting a text message to convert to the 911 system is up to phone companies that offer messaging services. There are 14 of them in Tennessee and nearly 200 nationwide.