Next wireless public alert test set for May 8

OTTAWA, May 6, 2019 /CNW/ - Canada's provincial and territorial governments will be conducting another test of the Alert Ready emergency alert system on Wednesday, May 8.

Alert Ready is designed to distribute critical and potentially life-saving emergency messages to Canadians over television, radio, and wireless public alert (WPA) compatible wireless devices that are connected to an LTE network.

"Testing is a standard part of the emergency management process and we're pleased that this upcoming test will be available to more Canadians than ever before," said Rob Ghiz, President and CEO of the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA). "Every successive test helps all partners evaluate and improve upon the systems and processes that are in place. Testing also helps Canadians understand how their devices will react to the alert."

The distribution of emergency alerts, including tests, is mandatory in Canada. Canadians are also not able to opt-out.

Timing for the upcoming test will vary:

Not everyone will receive the upcoming test alert on their mobile device. This may occur for a variety of reasons:

• The device may not be compatible.
• The device software may not be up to date.
• The device may not be connected to an LTE network during the alert (i.e. is on Wi-Fi, turned off or on airplane mode, or is being used for a voice call).
• The device may be in an area without LTE wireless coverage.

In some instances, the alert might be received by the device, but specific user settings could over-ride the notification (i.e. volume is turned down or set to Do Not Disturb). Checking the notifications folder will confirm if the alert was received Canadians can check their device owner's manual to review information about their device's behavior when receiving alerts.

As of April 6, 2019, all new phones sold by Canadian wireless service providers must be WPA-compatible.  Canadians who purchased phones before April 6 are encouraged to check their device compatibility on their service provider's website. In both instances, Canadians are asked to ensure that their device has the latest software update installed.

"Since the launch of wireless public alerts in April 2018, 121 emergency alerts have been distributed and have been credited with saving lives and apprehending suspects," added Ghiz. "We encourage Canadians to help us make this next test as effective as possible."

Link to AlertReady.ca

SOURCE Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association