No 911 text messaging in Edmonton

In Edmonton alone, 911 dispatchers handle about 1,000 calls per day. Approximately 70% of those calls come from cell phones.

As cell phone use continues to increase, so too does the popularity of text or SMS messaging.

But as the technology changes, has emergency response changed to keep up?

At this point it is not possible for 911 operators to receive text messages from cell phone users in an emergency situation.

The CRTC is in the process of setting up trials in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal for people with hearing or speech difficulties to use SMS messaging to 911.

Those with hearing or speech difficulties would be able to register for the service with their cell phone provider, and it would be tied to their phone. They would have to prove that they require the service before they are allowed to sign up for it.

"This solution was specially created for them, because they face challenges using the existing 911 system because they either can't speak or hear, and therefore can't communicate using the existing 911 service which is based on voice communication. Other people who can speak and listen can use the existing 911 service which is more effective and better suited for them." a CRTC spokesperson said in an email to the Global Edmonton Trouble Shooter.

At this point, the CRTC has no plans to expand the service to every day cell phone users.