Network upgrade may affect 9-1-1 calls this weekend

(CKLB file photo).

The territorial government is upgrading its network this weekend, which may affect residents trying to call 9-1-1.

The upgrade will happen between Saturday at 10:30 p.m. and should be done by Sunday at 7 a.m.

“During this period there will be two short periods lasting a few minutes each when NWT 9-1-1 may experience some diminished capacity,” reads a government notice.

Residents trying to call during this time should wait at least two rings before hanging up and trying again, as there may be a delay in answering.

The GNWT says it will have additional staff overnight to try and mitigate the issue.

In a notice, its adds that government phones, websites and emails will be down but cell services should be unaffected.

The Inuvik and Stanton hospitals’ main lines will be active, but calls to specific units will not be possible.

The 8-1-1 service should also remain functional.

About the Author

Francis Tessier-Burns
Francis was a reporter with CKLB from January 2019 to March 2023. In his time with CKLB, he had the immense pleasure and honour of learning about northern Indigenous cultures.