Effective January 31st, 2017, mobile phones that run on the older Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network will no longer be active, as the third-party carrier who provides the CDMA technology in BC will be discontinuing its service. This means that all 9-1-1, voice, text and data communications will no longer be available on the CDMA network.
Over the years, a number of repurposed CDMA network phones have been handed out to vulnerable members of the community, to provide them with access to 9-1-1 services. This also means that users of those phones will no longer be able to call 9-1-1 through the phones emergency function.
Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and Global System for Mobiles (GSM) are the two major radio systems used in cell phones. In the United States, a few carriers still use the CDMA network, most countries are strictly GSM.
If your mobile phone has a removable SIM card, you are likely on a GSM network, and will still have access to 9-1-1 services on a powered-up mobile phone, without a network contract, even without a SIM card inserted in the phone.
For more information, please contact your local mobile service provider.
