Text with 9-1-1 (T9-1-1)
T9-1-1 (Text with 9-1-1) provides 9-1-1 call centres with the ability to communicate with a deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired person during an emergency, using wireless text messaging (SMS).
T9-1-1 is reserved exclusively for the deaf, hard of hearing and speech impaired (DHHSI) community. To access T9-1-1 service, you must register your mobile number with your wireless service provider and have an eligible wireless device. Register Now.
T9-1-1 is a free service. However, an active wireless subscription (with payments kept up to date) is required.
T9-1-1 will be made available in specific areas when 9-1-1 call centre upgrades have been completed. Deaf, deafened, hard of hearing or speech impaired persons should visit TextWith911.ca for more information about the initiative and to find out where T9-1-1 service is available.
This service should only be used for emergency situations that require a response from police, fire or emergency medical services.
Limitations
- Sending a text message to the digits 9-1-1 is not supported in Canada and will not connect you with a 9-1-1 call taker. Registered T9-1-1 users must dial 9-1-1 to initiate a text messaging session.
- You will need to be within an area where Bell MTS provides wireless coverage. For information on Bell MTS coverage please visit coverage and roaming.
- Calls to 9-1-1 (like any calls from a wireless device) are affected by a number of factors including whether your device has battery power, signal strength, or the weather.
- T9-1-1 is considered a “best efforts” service. As with any text messaging services, there is no guarantee a text message will be sent, delivered, or received in a timely manner.
- You can only use T9-1-1 in areas that support T9-1-1 service.
- Some areas in Canada do not support 9-1-1 service.
For information about where T9-1-1 service is available, how to use T9-1-1 including instructional videos, and links to other wireless carriers’ T9-1-1 websites, please visit TextWith911.ca.
- Which wireless devices are T9-1-1 capable?
These wireless devices are eligible for T9-1-1 service with Bell MTS provided you obtained your device through Bell MTS. It is important that you confirm handset eligibility with your own wireless provider as these may vary.
HSPA Devices LTE Devices Apple iPhone 3Gs Alcatel A50 Apple iPhone 4 Alcatel GO FLIP Apple iPhone 4s Alcatel U50 BlackBerry Torch 9810 Apple iPhone X BlackBerry Torch 9330 Apple iPhone 5 BlackBerry Curve 936 Apple iPhone 5s CAT B100 Apple iPhone 5c Huawei Ascend Y300 Apple iPhone 6 LG F4NR Apple iPhone 6 Plus Nokia C6 Apple iPhone 6s Nokia C6790 Apple iPhone 6s Plus Nokia 6350 Apple iPhone 7 Nokia Lumia 710 Apple iPhone 7 Plus Nokia Lumia 830 Apple iPhone 8 Samsung Rugby 4 Apple iPhone 8 Plus Samsung S275 Apple iPhone SE Sony Xperia M BlackBerry Classic Samsung S275 BlackBerry KEYone Sony Xperia M BlackBerry Motion BlackBerry Passport BlackBerry Z10 BlackBerry Z30 BlackBerry Q5 BlackBerry Q10 PRIV by BlackBerry Huawei P20 Huawei P20 Pro LG G3 LG G4 LG G5 LG G6 LG G3 Vigor LG G Stylo LG K4 (2017) LG Q6 LG Stylo 2 Plus LG Stylo 3 Plus LG V30 LG X Power 2 Motorola Moto G5 Motorola Moto G Plus Motorola Moto X Motorola Moto Z Play (2nd Gen) Motorola Nexus 6 Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) Samsung Galaxy A8 Samsung Galaxy Core LTE Samsung Galaxy J1 Samsung Galaxy J3 Samsung Galaxy J3 Prime Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime Samsung Galaxy Note3 Samsung Galaxy Note4 Samsung Galaxy Note5 Samsung Galaxy Note7 Samsung Galaxy Note8 Samsung Galaxy Note Edge Samsung Galaxy SIII Samsung Galaxy SIII Mini Samsung Galaxy S4 Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini Samsung Galaxy S5 Samsung Galaxy S6 Samsung Galaxy S6 edge Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ Samsung Galaxy S7 Samsung Galaxy S7 edge Samsung Galaxy S8 Samsung Galaxy S8+ Samsung Galaxy S9 Samsung Galaxy S9+ Samsung Galaxy XCover 4 Sonim XP7 Sonim XP8 Sony Xperia Ion Sony Xperia T Sony Xperia XZ1 Sony Xperia Z3 Sony Xperia ZL - How do I register for T9-1-1 service?
-
Please visit the national T9-1-1 website regularly for updates of T9-1-1 launches throughout Canada.
- Where is T9-1-1 available?
T9-1-1 will only work in Canada and within T9-1-1 supported areas. Please visit the national T9-1-1 website for a list of locations that offer T9-1-1.
- Can I register more than one mobile number?
Yes, you can register multiple mobile numbers as long as they are in your name or you are a registered user on the account.
- Is T9-1-1 service available for Prepaid Wireless?
Yes, T9-1-1 service is accessible to both Postpaid and Prepaid Bell MTS Wireless customers that have registered for the service.
- Will T9-1-1 work if I'm travelling?
Yes, you can use T9-1-1 while travelling in Canada. Registration with your wireless service provider will give you access across Canada where T9-1-1 service is available (see the national T9-1-1 website for a list of available locations). Please note that you will also need to ensure that your wireless service provider has coverage in the area you’re travelling.
For information on Bell MTS coverage, please visit coverage and roaming.
- How do I make a T9-1-1 emergency call?
- Make a voice call by dialing 9-1-1 on your cell phone. If your device is password protected, please ensure you have entered your password prior to dialing 9-1-1.
- Shortly after your call is connected to a 9-1-1 Centre, you should receive an initial text message from a 9-1-1 call taker.
- Reply to this text message and provide the information they are requesting, such as the nature of the emergency and your approximate location.
- Keep the 9-1-1 voice call connected during the entire text messaging session. This will permit the 9-1-1 call taker to hear any background noises and receive information about your location.
- Continue replying to the T9-1-1 Call Taker until you receive an “End of 9-1-1 Call” message.
- After receiving the “End of 9-1-1 Call” message, if you need to further communicate with the 9-1-1 Call center, you will need to initiate a new session by repeating Step 1.
For more detailed information about usage of T9-1-1, including instructional videos please visit TextWith911.ca.
- What happens if I change wireless providers?
If you change wireless providers, you must re-register for T9-1-1 service with your new service provider.
- What happens if I change my wireless phone number or my wireless handset?
If you change your wireless phone number, you must re-register for T9-1-1 service even if you stay with Bell MTS. If you change your wireless device and keep the same number, you do not need to re-register but you do need to ensure your new device is T9-1-1 compatible.
- How do I know I have successfully registered for T9-1-1?
You will receive a confirmation of registration from one of our Bell MTS reps (either in person, by phone, text, or email). T9-1-1 service will also show up on your next Bell MTS Wireless bill with a zero rated ($0.00) charge.
- What happens if I use a wireless device that is not registered?
The 9-1-1 call taker will not be alerted to start a text conversation with you and will reply in a regular 9-1-1 voice call and not reply to your voice call via text message.
- Is there a fee for T9-1-1 services?
No, there is no fee or additional charge for T9-1-1. Calls to 9-1-1 and text messaging with 9-1-1 are free. With Bell MTS, once you have registered for the service, T9-1-1 will show up on your Wireless bill with a zero rated ($0.00) charge.
- I'm in a contract and my current wireless device is not compatible with T9-1-1, what can I do?
If you:
- Do not have a compatible T9-1-1 wireless device AND
- do not fall within Bell MTS's eligible upgrade window
You may visit a Bell MTS store to discuss your options to upgrade to an eligible handset.