DAYTON, Ohio -- Ohio’s new wireless 911 system remains under construction in many counties across the state.

The system allows authorities to locate a caller who uses their cellular phone to dial 911 in an emergency. Even though cell phone customers are already paying for the system, it is still months away from completion in several areas of the Miami Valley.

Jenny Boyer, a cellular customer in Sidney, said she is anxious to have the system completed.

"Why are we paying so far in advance when it's not getting done? Why do we have to wait? Why did they start billing us early?" Boyer asked.

Her questions were answered, in part, by Shawn Smith of the staff of the Ohio Public Utilities Commission.

Smith said the Ohio Legislature placed a 32 cent per month surcharge on each cell phone customer’s bill two years ago to pay for creation of the system. Each county is in charge of its own 911 system and upgrading with the new technology is proceeding at a different pace in each county.

In the Miami Valley, Miami and Clark counties were the first to complete the new system.

Shelby County is just a few months away from completion. Darke, Mercer Preble, Butler, Champaign and Logan counties are a step further behind.

Montgomery and Greene counties are even further behind, according to Smith.

Smith said customer’s cell phones must be GPS ( global positioning satellite ) enabled to take advantage of the new technology. It sends a signal to the telephone company with the users’ location.

Monica Safreed of P&R Communications in Dayton said newer phones are more likely to have the necessary technology.

“If your phone is two years old or newer, then from that point on, your phone has to be GPS enabled," Safreed said.

Customers with questions should contact their cell phone providers to determine if they have a phone that can be located when they dial 911.

Jim.otte@whiotv.com