The FCC met with AT&T in November 1967 in order to choose the number.
In 1968, the number was agreed upon. AT&T chose the number 911, which was simple, easy to remember, dialed quickly (999, with the phones in place at the time, would take longer).
Because of the middle 1, which indicated a special number (see also 411 and 611), 911 worked well with the phone systems at the time. At the time, this announcement only affected the telephone companies; independent phone companies were not included in the emergency telephone plan. Alabama Telephone Company decided to implement it ahead of AT&T, choosing Haleyville, Alabama as the location.
I always thought it was because 112 are numbers PHYSICALLY next to each other, and 911 would have to be more deliberate and MUCH less likely to be accidentally dialed.
The FCC met with AT&T in November 1967 in order to choose the number.
In 1968, the number was agreed upon. AT&T chose the number 911, which was simple, easy to remember, dialed quickly (999, with the phones in place at the time, would take longer).
Because of the middle 1, which indicated a special number (see also 411 and 611), 911 worked well with the phone systems at the time. At the time, this announcement only affected the telephone companies; independent phone companies were not included in the emergency telephone plan. Alabama Telephone Company decided to implement it ahead of AT&T, choosing Haleyville, Alabama as the location.
I always thought it was because 112 are numbers PHYSICALLY next to each other, and 911 would have to be more deliberate and MUCH less likely to be accidentally dialed.
Thanks for added context!