Mobility/ Enhanced 911 – E9-1-1

What is E-911?

Like regular 911, E-911 (Enhanced 911) gives you the ability to contact emergency services from your cellular device. When you dial 9-1-1 on your Quadro Communications device, your call is routed to the 9-1-1 emergency operator for your area.

There are two phases of E-911 service. Phase one provides 9-1-1 operators with your cellular number, area code and approximate location. The operator will know the location of the cellular tower handling your call. Phase one is currently available in most areas with 9-1-1 service. Phase two allows for 9-1-1 operators to more accurately locate a phase two-ready mobile device. In areas where phase two is available, your location is provided to emergency operators when you dial 9-1-1. Quadro mobile devices support both GPS (Global Positioning System) and cell-site triangulation. When you dial 9-1-1 in areas where E-911 phase two is available, the location system automatically selects the best method to determine your location.

E-911 Limitations:

E-911 phase two service is available in most of Quadro Communication’s coverage areas in Canada using the Bell Mobility network. Check your local telephone book for emergency services telephone numbers in your area. You can also contact local emergency operators to find out about the availability of 9-1-1 services in your area; do not dial 9-1-1 for this information. GPS uses radio signals from satellites to calculate the mobile device’s location. It is important to know that GPS radio signals may be affected by weak signals in covered or underground areas. Cell-site triangulation using radio signals may also be negatively impacted in covered and underground areas or locations that are served by less than three cell towers such as in remote rural areas.

Dialing 9-1-1 using V.O.I.P applications on Android operating systems:

Wireless customers using V.O.I.P (voice over internet protocol) based apps like Skype to make calls on smartphones may not be able to reach 9-1-1 in case of an emergency. This issue is not Quadro Communications specific and it could affect customers with any wireless service provider. We recommend that customers avoid using V.O.I.P. based apps to make emergency calls.

Remember that calls to 9-1-1 services 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 underground location. Access to 9-1-1 service is included in your Quadro monthly rate plan. However, in some provinces, an additional fee is charged as requested by the provincial government.

The additional monthly fee is as follows: (current as of 10/06/2019) Quebec $0.46; Nova Scotia $0.43; P.E.I. $0.70; New Brunswick $0.53; Alberta $0.44; Saskatchewan $0.94; Newfoundland & Labrador $0.75 (reference – Bell Canada website).

Device Limitations:

E-911 service is not guaranteed to work. Data only devices such as a Turbo Stick, Turbo Cards, Turbo Hubs, MiFi devices and tablets cannot be used to make voice calls and therefore will not connect you to 9-1-1 in case of an emergency. Most devices Quadro offers are E-911 phase two ready, however, there are some older devices that are not phase two compatible. Speak to a Customer Service Representative if you are concerned that your older device is not compatible.

Tips When Calling 9-1-1 From a Mobile Device

If possible, always give the operator the cellular number you’re calling from, including area code, in case you are in an area that is not equipped with wireless E-911.
If possible, tell the operator your exact location or the location of the emergency (ex. you had to go up the road to get better cell reception to make your call).