In the event of a disaster, TELUS must give preference to authorized government agencies and private sector companies that have what is called priority access to dialing (PAD). This means they are given priority dial tone for outgoing calls.

In addition, our pay phones are given priority dial tone for outgoing calls.

Repair priority
Damage to the telephone network will be repaired on a priority basis - priority being given to essential services such as police and fire departments and hospital and ambulance services.

Only government officials have the authority to designate a company as 'essential'. Local services can apply for essential line treatment through their local municipal emergency planner. Provincial services can apply through the Provincial Preparedness Program offices. Federal services can apply through Industry Canada offices.