New Text with 911 Service for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Speech Impaired Communities

Edmonton’s 911 call centre has implemented the new Text with 911 service that allows the 911 centre to communicate by text message to the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Speech Impaired (DHHSI) communities via their mobile phones in an emergency.

Individuals who previously used Teletype Terminal (TTY) and Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) technology on their landlines for police, fire or medical emergencies, will now have the freedom of using their mobile phone to communicate with 911.  The new service is expected to reduce risk and improve health and safety for members of the DHHSI communities.  

TTY/TDD services will continue to be available for those members of the DHHSI community who use this technology. Text with 911 is not available for non-emergency calls and so TTY/TDD should be used for these types of calls.

Edmonton’s Text with 911 service was activated on April 30, 2015, following extensive testing of the new technology and training of emergency personnel.  Edmonton is the second municipality in Alberta to provide the CRTC mandated service.  If you live outside of Edmonton, please check to see if the service is available in your area. 

It is important to note that Text with 911 is only intended to be used by members of the DHHSI communities, and will not be available for the general public.  Voice calling remains the only way to communicate with 911 services for a person who is not deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired.

Before You Can Use Text with 911

You must register your mobile phone with your wireless service provider prior to using Text with 911.  Calls to 911 from an unregistered phone will not be identified as being able to use the Text with 911 service.  Mobile phones must also be compatible and meet Text with 911 requirements.

What you need to know about Text with 911