CRTC says wireless firms must send emergency alerts

Canada’s telecom regulator says all wireless service providers must be able to send emergency alerts to customers’ cellphones, and has set a deadline for it to happen.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has ordered that by April, 6, 2018, everyone on an LTE network must be able to receive the same public alerts now on radio and TV.

The types of events for alerts include natural disasters such as fires or floods, or Amber Alerts.

CRTC spokesperson Patricia Valladao said the alerts will have a special tone and vibration so that people will know it’s not just an ordinary email or text.

A banner, in English and French, will appear on the screen stating that there is an alert.