Public Safety Communications Centre upgrading phone system

In preparation for Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG 911), the Lethbridge Public Safety Communications Centre is upgrading their phone system to move to a computer-based, softphone solution.  This transition will take place on January 31 beginning at 9 a.m. and should be completed by 12 p.m.  

The City of Lethbridge 9-1-1 system has plans ready in the event of any system failures.  While we do not expect any service interruption, there is a possibility there may be a delay should the backup systems need to be turned on. 

The non-emergency lines for the Lethbridge Police Service and Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services will also be transitioned at the same time.  We do not expect callers to notice any change, however should there be a delay in the call being answered, it is likely that the lines are being transitioned at that moment. Callers are asked to hang up and call again if this situation occurs.

This upgrade is taking place to ensure our phone systems are ready to integrate with nation-wide changes coming to emergency service phone lines, as directed by the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission. The changes would potentially enable people to send text messages, videos and more to emergency services in the future.