Wireless providers to implement alert system

No ‘opt-out,’ service cost to be added to bill

emergency alert system in operation since 2014. Given the proliferation of mobile devices, officials have been working to send alerts via mobile networks.

“The National Public Alerting System is vital to Canadians, it has saved countless lives, including those of children through Amber Alerts,” CRTC chairman Jean-Pierre Blais said.

“Once the system is in place, an even greater number of Canadians will receive alerts on their mobile phones and will be able to take appropriate safety measures.”

The cost will ultimately be passed down to consumers. The CRTC acknowledged the system would result in a nominal fee per customer, given that providers indicated they would recover the capital and maintenance costs.

Yet the CRTC’s decision forbids providers from identifying a separate fee for the system on subscribers’ bills. Nor will subscribers be able to opt out of the system.

Spokespeople from the Big Three did not respond to questions about how much the system will cost each user, though they reiterated its importance for public safety.

“With more and more Canadians relying on their mobile devices for breaking news and alerts, it’s in the public interest to complement TV and radio alerts with instant messages on wireless devices to help get critical information out to the public and emergency service providers faster when seconds count,” Telus spokesman Richard Gilhooley said in an email.

“For public safety reasons there is no ‘opt-out’ — the broadcast message is delivered to all wireless customers with compatible devices in a specific geographical area.”

Since the technology is not compatible with pre-LTE networks or mobile satellite services, the alerts will not be required on older networks such as Freedom Mobile’s 3G network (it is upgrading to LTE).

The alert will include a similar tone as is currently used for emergency announcements on radio and TV, along with a unique vibration.