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Ruling requires Canadian wireless carriers to provide E911 services

OTTAWA-Canadian wireless carriers are now required to provide wireless enhanced 911 service everywhere E911 network access services are available, according to a ruling this week from the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).

Carriers previously had no regulatory obligation to transmit emergency calls. With the ruling, carriers are also required to inform all new customers and periodically inform existing customers of emergency services offered, and plans on how they will notify subscribers must be filed with the CRTC within the next 90 days.

The CRTC is also requiring each carrier to provide toll-free telephone access to at least one of their operations centers to assist 911 operators seeking subscriber information in emergency situations.

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