2nd emergency alert tests worked 'flawlessly,' province says, despite some phones missing the message

The second test of Manitoba's emergency alertsystem went off without a hitch,the province says.

RonSchuler, the minister responsible for emergency measures, said virtually all enabled phones received the test notification through the Alert Ready systemat 1:55 p.m. on Wednesday.

In the first test of the system in May, only about 60 per cent of cellphonesgot the alert message. That was because phonesweren't on an LTEnetworkor didn't have the latest operating system, the province said.

"This time around the technology worked flawlessly," Schulersaid.

It does not mean, however, that every phone received the notification, he explained.

Phone must be up to date

Device compatibility, connection to an LTEnetwork, cell tower coverage, and yourdevice'ssoftware and settings were all factors that may have prevented the test from being received.

He encouraged Manitobanswho did not receive the test to inform their cellphone provider to find out why.

Canadians can also check if their phones are compatible with the emergency alert system on theAlert Ready website.

"There was no problem insofar as the way the technology worked," Schuler said. "We can't answer for how many phones were shut off," he said.

Schuler acknowledged coveragedead zones in some rural areas andsaid the province is committed to working with telecommunications companies to expand coverage.

NDPLeader Wab Kinewwouldn't call the second round of tests a good news story, as Schulerdid.

"If Rogers can send every customer a text message to buy a new iPhone, this government ought to be able to ensure that everyone gets a warning that there's a severe weather event coming their way," he said.

Kinewsaid the government must renew its pushto ensure there is adequate cellphone coverage provincewide.

The emergency alert test message was alsosent out on cable and satellite TV, radio and web feeds.