Why do cellphones have a "911" service charge?

i heard that old cellphones that arent attached to any cellphone plans can still be used to call 911.





so why is it that when you have a plan they stick another $0.50 in there for the "911" service charge|||It's a tax that is used to maintain the 911 system.|||Because the 911 network has to be maintained and that costs money.|||That's a tax. Landlines actually can have up to 4 "911" excise taxes.|||Somebody has to pay for the 911 service. In Pay as you Go products, the charge is worked into the cost.|||They have to pay the ppl working there at the 911 lol i would call just to get my moneys worth lol jkjk|||Generally any phone can reach 911, and it's that service charge that pays for that convenience. You will be also happy to note that our 911 services are over burdened and understaffed because many politicians divert funds from this program to other pet projects.