An increased 911 service charge should start appearing on residents’ mobile phone bills soon, after the implementation of a new statewide funding model on Oct. 1.

Cell phone users should see a fee of $1.60 per month, compared to the old fee of $0.70. Fees for all other devices capable of accessing the 911 communication network (landline phones, voice over internet protocol, etc.) will also be charged the $1.60 rate.

The rate will be a decrease in some instances, such as the $2.91 landline customers in Chilton County used to pay, or the $5.07 that businesses were charged.

“The new model is rooted in the fact that all Alabamians, regardless of where they live, have an interest in dependable 911 service statewide,” read information distributed by the Association of County Commissions of Alabama. “The new model is designed to produce a fair and equal service charge on all devices capable of accessing the 911 communication network in Alabama.”

Dan Wright, director of Chilton County E-911, said the new funding model should produce more revenue.