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Cellphone emergency alert test planned across Canada

Canada is again testing its national public alert system. zhuyufang/Getty Images

Canada is again testing its national public alert system Wednesday at 1:55 p.m. local time (2:55 p.m. in Quebec).

READ MORE: Canadians will soon get an emergency alert text message— it’s a test

The message, which will be sent through the Alert Ready program, will be distributed on TV, radio and wireless devices.

WATCH BELOW: Emergency alert texts tested in most of Canada

Click to play video: 'Emergency alert texts tested in most of Canada'
Emergency alert texts tested in most of Canada

Officials admit not all Canadians will receive the test alert because of issues relating to device compatibility, connection to an LTE network, cell tower coverage, device software and settings.

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READ MORE: No alerts for cell phone emergency alert system test in Quebec

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“We recommend that you contact your wireless service provider with specific inquiries regarding emergency alerting services and device compatibility,” it states.

The last time the emergency alert system was tested, there were glitches across the country, including in Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and B.C.

WATCH BELOW: Should we be worried the emergency alert test was a failure?

Click to play video: 'Should we be worried the emergency alert test was a failure?'
Should we be worried the emergency alert test was a failure?

No alerts were registered on devices in Quebec, while only some mobile subscribers in other provinces received the signal.

“Regular testing helps ensure that we are prepared to deliver urgent and lifesaving warnings to the public in times of an emergency or disaster,” the organization stated.

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Alerts will be sent out for emergencies related to fire, natural disasters, biological spills, hazardous materials, environmental problems, terrorist threats, civil issues and  public awareness of technical testing purposes.

READ MORE: Cellphone emergency alert test hailed a ‘success’ even though many Albertans didn’t get message

The Alert Ready system was developed in collaboration with federal, provincial and territorial emergency management officials, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Pelmorex, the broadcasting industry and wireless service providers.

Canadians cannot opt out of the alerts themselves.

rachel.lau@globalnews.ca

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