e9-1-1 Information

9-1-1 Service

When you dial 9-1-1 from your NorthernTel mobile device, NorthernTel routes your call to the 9-1-1 emergency operator for your area. 9-1-1 emergency operators are provided by local emergency service providers and their availability may vary by region.

Some regions may not have a 9-1-1 call centre and you may be required to dial alternate numbers to directly reach local police, fire and/or ambulance services.

e9-1-1 Phase One

The NorthernTel network currently supports enhanced 9-1-1 (e9-1-1) service. Phase One of this service provides 9-1-1 emergency operators with your mobile device number and area code as well as approximate location information. The operator will know the location of the cellular tower handling your call.

e9-1-1 Phase Two

NorthernTel is currently working with local, provincial and national government agencies to maintain and improve today's e9-1-1 services, including the implementation of Phase Two of this service. Phase Two allows for 9-1-1 emergency operators to more accurately locate your mobile device. However, your mobile device must be e9-1-1 Phase Two ready to allow them to do so.

NorthernTel is working with the industry and government to make e9-1-1 Phase Two available as of February 2010.

While NorthernTel will be ready to route calls with e9-1-1 Phase Two information starting in February 2010, full e9-1-1 Phase Two services may not be available to you in all areas. This is because local 9-1-1 call centres must be technically ready to receive your Phase Two call information when NorthernTel provides it.

Given that the availability of e9-1-1 Phase Two functionality will depend upon the readiness of the local 9-1-1 call centre, it is especially important to always give the operator your name, mobile device number (including the area code) and location if you are able to do so.

General limitations

In addition to the specific limitations associated with e9-1-1 Phase Two technology described above, it's important to remember that calls to 9-1-1 (like any calls from a mobile device) are affected by the signal strength in your location. For example, your call to 9-1-1 may be affected if you make it from a covered or underground location.

Please note that some 9-1-1 services may not work if you purchased your mobile device through a provider other than NorthernTel or one of its authorized dealers and now use it with a NorthernTel SIM card.

Finally, data-only devices such as Turbo Sticks, Turbo Cards and modems cannot be used to make voice calls and will not connect you with a 9-1-1 emergency operator.

Cost

Access to 9-1-1 services is included in your NorthernTel rate plan. In some provinces, like in Québec, an additional fee of 40¢ per month is charged as requested by the provincial government.

9-1-1 tips

Do not program 9-1-1 into your speed dial, as this will increase the likelihood of accidental calls.
When calling 9-1-1, always give the operator your name, mobile device number (including the area code), and location, in case you are in an area not equipped with mobile e9-1-1 service. In areas where e9-1-1 service does not include Phase One or Phase Two enhancements, your call will be connected to the 9-1-1 call centre but your mobile number and location information will not be displayed to the 9-1-1 emergency operator.
Stay on the mobile device with the 9-1-1 operator as long as required. Remember that NorthernTel customers can call 9-1-1 without any per-minute charges.
Leave your mobile device turned on after hanging up in case the operator needs to call you back.
Please check your local telephone book for information on emergency services telephone numbers. You can also contact local emergency operators to find out if 9-1-1 service is available (do not dial 9-1-1 to check availability).

Get more information on how your mobile device is located.

Find out if your mobile device is e9-1-1 Phase Two ready now.