Did your cell phone buzz at 1:55 p.m. on Wednesday?
Some wireless users in western provinces, like B.C., are reporting mixed results after the test of Canada’s new emergency alert system, according to The Canadian Press.
As of April, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) — the national broadcast and telecommunications regulator — requires that all wireless service providers participate in the National Public Alerting System and begin distribution of wireless public emergency alerts on their LTE networks. These alerts will occur during Emergency Preparedness Week, which is the first full week in May each year.
“Emergency alert messages are issued by public officials who are designated by the federal government or your province or territory to warn the public of imminent or unfolding hazards to life and property. These officials are also responsible for issuing scheduled test messages,” reads a statement on the CRTC website.
Tests were conducted in Ontario and Quebec on Tuesday. Operators said they were learning from failed tests in those provinces, The Canadian Press reports.
The District of Squamish has its own alert system as well. To sign up for that alert, go to squamish.ca/alert.
Subscription-based broadcasting service providers that distribute emergency alert messages.
(Contact your broadcasting service provider for more information.)
2251723 Ontario
Access
AEBC Internet
Bell
Bell ExpressVu
Bragg Communications Incorporated
Câblevision du Nord de Québec
Cogeco Connexion Inc.
IAAK Technologies
K-Right Communications
Nexicom Communications
Northwestel
Persona Communications
Rogers
SaskTel
Shaw
Shaw Direct
Sogetel
TBayTel
TELUS
Vianet
Vidéotron
Wightman Telecom
Zazeen
