About: Wi-Fi Calling Emergency Service Limitations

Overview

There are important limitations when making 9-1-1 calls when using WiFi Calling due to the nature of Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology. Emergency calls using VoIP are handled differently than ones made over a mobile network.

Your 9-1-1 Emergency Location

Due to limitations with the VoIP technology required for Wi-Fi Calling, current location information is unavailable to emergency operators during a 9-1-1 call placed over Wi-Fi Calling. An address is required in the event that you are unable to communicate your location to the emergency operator during a 9-1-1 call made over Wi-Fi. For safety reasons, you should always update this address to your current Wi-Fi location in the Wi-Fi Calling settings on your phone.

Important: Ensuring that your emergency 9-1-1 address is accurate and up to date is solely your responsibility.

For steps on how to update your emergency 9-1-1 address on your device, refer to your device manufacturer’s user guide for more information:

You can also update your emergency 9-1-1 address from a computer. Learn more About: Wi-Fi Calling

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Placing Emergency Calls

If the 9-1-1 call is carried over a Wi-Fi network (because a mobile network is unavailable), the emergency call will be automatically transferred to a specialized 9-1-1 Call Centre. This call centre is different from the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) which would answer a traditional emergency call.

The 9-1-1 Call Centre operator will then transfer your call to the correct PSAP or emergency responder based on the location you verbally provide. If you're unable to communicate your current location, the operator will transfer your call based on the 9-1-1 Emergency Address you've specified in the My Account application. When using Wi-Fi Calling to dial 9-1-1, you must immediately inform the operator of your location (or the location of the emergency, if different) if you're able.

You should also be prepared to provide your call-back number to the operator. You must not disconnect the 9-1-1 call until instructed to by the operator, as they may not have your number or contact information. If you are inadvertently disconnected, you must call back immediately.

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Service Outages

During internet or dedicated connection service outages for any reason whatsoever, Wi-Fi Calling (including 9-1-1 service using Wi-Fi) will not work.

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Loss of Service Due to Power Failure

In the event of a power failure, Wi-Fi Calling (including 9-1-1 service using Wi-Fi) will not work. If there is an interruption in the power supply, 9-1-1 service will not work until power is restored.

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Connection Time and Technical Difficulties

Wi-Fi Calling (including 9-1-1 service using Wi-Fi) will not work if your internet or Wi-Fi equipment are not configured correctly, do not have the bandwidth to carry a call, or if Wi-Fi Calling isn't working for any reason, including but not limited to network or internet congestion, service disconnection due to billing issues, or breach of your service agreement with Freedom Mobile. If you leave the Wi-Fi network, you originally made the 9-1-1 call from even if you simultaneously move to a new Wi-Fi network your 9-1-1 call will drop.

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9-1-1 Text (T9-1-1)

Wi-Fi Calling does not support the T9-1-1 (Text to 9-1-1) feature.

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