T9-1-1 Key Messages
• In Canada, Text with 9-1-1 (T9-1-1) is only available for Deaf, Deafened, Hard of Hearing or Speech Impaired (DHHSI) persons to communicate with 9-1-1 services via text messaging on their cell phones.
• Currently, T9-1-1 is available to the vast majority of Canadians in many areas of the country, including many parts of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec, and province-wide in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan. Some 9-1-1 call centres are still making the necessary upgrades to their systems and will launch the T9-1-1 service in the coming months. An up-to-date listing of all communities where T9-1-1 service is available can be found at: http://textwith911.ca/en/service-availability/
• A DHHSI person must first register for T9-1-1 with their wireless service provider and must have an eligible cell phone before being able to utilize this service. Registration is quick and easy. Visit http://textwith911.ca/en/wireless-service-providers/ and click on the logo of your wireless service provider and follow the steps to register.
• In the event of an emergency, the T9-1-1 registered user must dial 9-1-1 on their cell phone, just like they were making a voice call. However, even if the caller can’t speak, as the 9-1-1 call taker should automatically receive an indicator that advises them to communicate with the caller via text messaging.
• Deaf, deafened, hard of hearing or speech impaired persons should visit www.TextWith911.ca for more information about the service, including instructional videos in American Sign Language.
• Voice calling remains the best and most effective way to access 9-1-1 services for a person that is not deaf, deafened, hard of hearing or with speech impairment.
• Text messages sent directly to the digits “9-1-1” do not reach emergency services anywhere in Canada. Messages texted to 9-1-1 will receive an automatic reply advising the user to call 9-1-1 for emergency services. “Text to 9-1-1” for the public-at-large may be available in the future as the nationwide 9-1-1 infrastructure evolves.
