Emergency alert system could be extended to wireless service providers

GATINEAU – With some 80% of Canadians now owning a mobile device, the CRTC is asking for feedback on the participation of wireless service providers in Canada’s National Public Alerting System.The Commission said Tuesday that its consultation builds on efforts to ensure Canadians are notified in a timely manner of emergency situations, as well as to ensure that the telecommunications system safeguards them. Comments are due by May 30, 2016.Unlike 911 services which allow Canadians to contact emergency services, wireless public alerting would allow emergency management officials to “push” messages to Canadians through their cellular services. Issued by emergency management officials...