Sept. 14, 2023 /CNW/ OTTAWA, ON The Canadian Telecoms Association, is advising residents of Atlantic Canada to take precautions against potential power outages and other storm-related effects that may impede their use of telecoms services as they get ready for potentially catastrophic weather this weekend.
The organization is starting a public awareness campaign to provide crucial advice and best practices to be adhered to prior to a storm, as well as steps to be taken both during and after a storm.
Robert Ghiz, president and CEO of the Canadian Telecommunications Association, stated that “extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, wildfires, and snow and ice storms, are becoming more commonplace, endangering Canadians and damaging property.” Even while telecom companies are always making investments to fortify their networks so they can resist these kinds of catastrophes, equipment such as power supplies, poles, cables, and other items can still be damaged, which can occasionally impair network performance or even result in brief service disruptions. For this reason, we advise people to adopt the essential safety measures that will enable them to remain connected when it matters most.”
Among the top techniques are:
Prior to a storm
• Keep an eye on the weather and prepare for any emergency orders.
• Charge your gadgets to 100% before heading into a power outage.
• Maintain a backup power source that can run necessary communication devices, such as your cordless phone, Wi-Fi router, and internet modem.
• Find out if your phone or phone service depends on the power supply in your house, and if so, think about getting a backup power source.
When there is a storm and right after it passes:
• Conserve battery life on your device by dimming the screen and disabling location-based, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi services when not in use.
• Use email or SMS/texting to communicate with others, and avoid using your mobile phone for phone calls unless absolutely necessary. This will help minimize network congestion.
• If you must make a phone call, try to avoid talking for longer than necessary. If your call does not connect, wait ten seconds or more before trying again.
• Avoid using data-intensive applications on mobile wireless networks, such as video streaming or non-emergency internet access.
Toll-free number 9-1-1:
• Use the landline phone to help lessen the load on mobile networks if you have a working landline phone in addition to a mobile phone.
*If there isn’t an operational cell tower nearby for your service provider, or if your phone doesn’t have a SIM card, you may still be able to dial 9-1-1 on your mobile phone. This is because mobile phone service is set up to allow 9-1-1 calls to default to whichever wireless network is available.
After an emergency, there may be an increase in network congestion, which could cause 9-1-1 calls to take longer to connect. Allow your smartphone to establish a connection by giving it a few seconds if your call does not connect right away. Hang up and give it ten seconds before trying to call again if your call is not connected. • Try removing or turning off your device’s SIM card if you are still unable to successfully place a 9-1-1 call. Do not immediately redial. In rare cases, your device’s ability to connect to the network of an alternate service provider may be hindered by the SIM card.
The association’s awareness campaign, which is first aimed towards Atlantic Canada, will consist of print and online advertisements that will run throughout the Atlantic provinces for the next four weeks, along with the introduction of a new website that will share best practices.
To learn more, go to telecomprepare.ca.
About The Association of Canadian Telecommunications
The mission of the Canadian Telecommunications Association is to use connectivity to create a better future for all Canadians. Service providers, equipment producers, and other businesses involved in the telecommunications industry that finance the development, construction, upkeep, and management of Canada’s top-notch telecom networks are among our members. We strive to highlight the significance of telecommunications for Canada’s social and economic development through events, research, and advocacy campaigns. We also push for laws that encourage investment, innovation, and favorable results for consumers. Additionally, we support industry projects including wirelessaccessibility.ca, STAC, Canadian Common Short Codes, and the Mobile Giving Foundation Canada.
RESOURCE The Canadian Association of Telecommunications
COMMUNITY: For media inquiries, contact Nick Kyonka at the Canadian Telecommunications Association at communications@canadatelecoms.ca.
