GNWT issued an announcement today advising several communities in the territories that there will be a planned outage potentially impacting local and long-distance telephone calling beginning 12 a.m. to 6 a.m MT.
Northwestel is planning network maintenance during this time.
“During this maintenance window, some services will be disrupted for up to four hours. In Yellowknife, disruption will impact local and long-distance telephone calling, 9-1-1, cellular and internet services. In Hay River and Fort Smith, long-distance telephone and 9-1-1 services will be impacted,” warned officials.
GNWT said that other communities across N.W.T. may also experience temporary disruptions to 9-1-1 access during the outage period.
“The GNWT has taken steps to ensure that NWT 9-1-1 services remain operational for those who still have phone service. Residents should still be able to call 9-1-1 if their phone system is operational,” advised officials.
During the service outage, GNWT advises that public access to the RCMP may be obtained through the following methods:
Within Yellowknife:
- If 9-1-1 services are unavailable, go directly to the Detachment to access the emergency phone outside the front door.
- Officers will be actively patrolling the communities during the outage.
Outside Yellowknife:
- If 9-1-1 services are unavailable, proceed to your local Detachment.
- In the event of a health emergency, if you are unable to reach your local health clinic or hospital by phone, go in person for any urgent needs. For non-urgent health advice, call 8-1-1 to speak with a registered nurse.
GNWT said that anyone who would like more information and updates can visit the GNWT’s Public Safety page.
The city of Yellowknife also issued an announcement today about the planned network upgrade scheduled for May 28 from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.
The city explained that during this time, telecommunication services will be intermittent, with the following impacts expected:
- Cellular-to-landline communication will be disrupted
- Cell-to-cell and landline-to-landline communication may be intermittent
- Cable TV and internet services will remain operational
- Data circuits will be down
The city also advised that 911 and the city’s backup emergency line (873-2222) may be affected, depending on the origin of the call.
“Given that the City of Yellowknife’s Dispatch temporary emergency numbers (867-686-2277 and 867-688-7777) will also be impacted during the service outage, residents are advised that if emergency services are required and regular phone lines are not working, they should go directly to the Fire Hall, RCMP Detachment, or Stanton Territorial Hospital for assistance,” said city officials.
