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Alert Ready test only partially successful in Manitoba

[jaw_highlight]UPDATED[/jaw_highlight]

 

After failed tests in Quebec and Ontario, the new cellular Alert Ready system was hoping a test in Manitoba this afternoon would go as planned.

At 1:55 pm a test of the system pushed messages to smartphones on all Manitoba cellular networks but it appears that a large number of devices did not receive the test alert. From the phones News 4 was monitoring during the test only about 70% were able to receive the test message. All phones that did receive the message were on the Rogers and Telus networks. Phones we were monitoring on the BellMTS network did not receive the message.

Reports from other provinces are also reporting similar results from today’s test.

 

Alert Ready is designed to get information about imminent emergencies out as quickly as possible. Only Environment and Climate Change Canada and the provincial government are able to issue emergency messages using the system.

 

 

The emergency alert message will begin with a distinct sound and vibration, followed by an emergency alert banner displayed on the device and a message outlining the nature of the alert.

 

Manitoba pushed a test message to all connected cellphones on May 9, 2018 (News 4)
Manitoba pushed a test message to all connected cellphones on May 9, 2018 (News 4)

 

 

“When the emergency alert comes through your device, be sure you are able to safely read it,” said Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler. “If you are driving, pull over, be safe and be prepared.”

A similar system has used television and radio to deliver messages but was dependent on those devices being active. The cellular version will deliver messages to compatible devices as long as they are turned on and not running in silent mode.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© 2018 News 4, a DigiPix Media Group company

 

 

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