Alert Ready Emergency Message Service

April 2018

All wireless service providers will have the capability to distribute emergency alerts directly to consumers’ WPA-compatible wireless devices using Cell Broadcast distribution.

There are annual tests that are conducted for this service.  Visit the Alert Ready website for more information.

These messages will only be issued for threat-to-life situations.

In the event of such an emergency, a government issuer will deliver the alert to the National Alert Aggregation and Dissemination (NAAD) System, which will deliver it to wireless service providers, or broadcast companies.

No, you can’t opt out of receiving threat-to-life emergency alerts via Alert Ready.

As of April 6th 2019, all devices that are sold by Fido are WPA-compatible.  For devices sold before April 6th 2019, please see the list of compatible devices below.

Current compatible devices (if they are purchased from Fido and the device software is kept up to date):

• Google devices: Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, Pixel 2XL, Pixel 3, Pixel 3XL
• LG: Q6, V30, X Power 2, Q Stylo+, G6, G7, G7 One
• Samsung: S7, S7 Edge, S8, S8+, Note 8, J3 Prime, S9, S9+, A8, Note 9, J3 (2018), S10, S10+, S10e
• Sony: Xperia, X Performance
• Huawei: P10, P10 Plus, P10 Lite, GR5, P20, P20 Pro, P20 Lite, Mate 20 Pro, P30, P30 Pro, P30 lite
• Apple: iPhone 5S, 6/6S/6S+, 7/7+, 8/8+, X, XR/XS/XS Max
• Motorola: Moto E5 Play, Moto G6 Play
• Alcatel: Go Flip

Don’t see your device listed, but want to know if it’s compatible? Please contact your device manufacturer.

To help ensure your WPA-capable device receives alerts, including future test alerts, use the checklist below:

1. Confirm that your device is on the list of compatible devices and that you bought it directly from Fido.
2. Check if any software updates are available for your device and, if required, please install the latest updates.
3. Ensure device is connected to the LTE network (e.g. LTE not disabled; not on airplane mode, not on 3G and not connected to a WiFi network).
4. Android Devices:Confirm that the Cell/Mobile Broadcast service is turned on in device settings. For more info on how to do this, please reach out to your phone manufacturer.
5. To receive audible alerts, confirm that the volume on your device is turned on (not on mute) and Do Not Disturb is turned off.
6. Check your physical location at the time the alert was issued. To receive an alert you must be physically located in the targeted geographic area.
7. If you’re in a location that makes signal reception difficult at the time of the alert, such as an underground garage, you may not receive the alert.
8. If you’re on a voice call at the time the emergency alert is issued, you may not receive an alert. Voice calls may move your connection to a non-LTE network like 3G, even if you’re in an LTE area.
9. The emergency alert might be listed with other notifications. Scroll down and search for all notifications on your device.

Please Note: these steps must be done prior to receiving test alerts/alerts, as you will not be able to receive them retroactively.

You can visit Alert Ready's website here.

To watch a video series about the Canadian Wireless Public Alerting (WPA) system in ASL and LSQ, visit https://www.wirelessaccessibility.ca/