Listen Live

HomeNewsSunshine Coasters with speech or hearing impairments among first in Canada able...

Sunshine Coasters with speech or hearing impairments among first in Canada able to text 911

Deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired people (DHHSI) on the Sunshine Coast can now text a 911 operator.

E-Comm, which runs 911 for the Lower Mainland and Sunshine Coast, is the first in Canada to get the new technology.

It was created by an industry group, working with Telus.

People who need the service register a cell phone with their provider.  Then, if they call 911, the E-Comm system recognizes it, and starts a text chat.

Doug Watson is E-Comm’s Operation’s Manager. He says the system also has an advantage over regular texting; it keeps the voice line open

- Advertisement -

Chris Langdon, vice-president, Telus Consumer Products and Services says, “This new service has the potential to save lives and we commend E-Comm for their great work ensuring DHHSI residents of communities where E-Comm provides service are the first people in Canada to benefit from ‘Text with 911’.”

There’s no specific target date to get the system up and running on the Island, but it’s expected to be in place across the country within the next year and a half.

To register visit : www.TextWith911.ca

- Advertisment -
- Advertisment -
- Advertisement -

Continue Reading