Canada’s Wireless Test Alert Freaked People Out Again; Opt Out Not Possible

Canada’s Alert Ready system has been preparing Canadians for yet another wireless test alert, which finally started rolling out today, November 28, 2018. Of course, the alerts again scared the heck out of people.

‼️ You could receive a test #EmergencyAlert message on your cellphone today at 1:55 PM local time (2:55 in Quebec)!
Learn about these #EmergencyAlert messages and what to do when you receive one: https://t.co/IlH1JeUa4V #AlertReady pic.twitter.com/v7wkWFH57P

— CRTCeng (@CRTCeng) November 28, 2018

The wireless test alerts started at 1:55PM local time (2:55PM in Quebec), so those on the east coast had their iPhones and other LTE-connected smartphones blaring.

@iPhoneinCanada worked on #FreedomMobile in Toronto! pic.twitter.com/lCwzxfuCds

— Colt (@CykfCyyz) November 28, 2018

The first test didn't sound at all in Quebec due to a coding error. In Ontario, many wireless subscribers didn't receive any signals and in Newfoundland and Labrador, the alert was late for some mobile phone users.

— CBC Radio (@cbcradio) November 28, 2018

For those on the west coast, prepare yourselves as 1:55 PM is when you’ll hear the test alert, if you’re connected to an LTE network with a compatible smartphone. Apple’s iPhones are compatible with these test alerts. It should sound like the tone below:

How to opt out of wireless test alerts in Canada? Sorry, but you can’t. Even if your phone is on silent.



According to Patrick Tanguy, an assistant deputy minister with Public Safety Canada, he said back in March, “When you’re getting those alerts your life is at risk,” adding “So it’s not there’s potentially a danger, there is a danger.”

There’s no way to disable this, unless you set your phone to Airplane Mode at 1:55PM today. Maybe ask Siri to remind you at 1:54 PM, if she decides to actually wake up and do her job for once.