In the aftermath of a disaster, how long will it be before phone service returns to normal?

How do you tell the difference between delayed dial tone and no service?

Can your call be dropped off the network if you take too long to dial after you get dial tone?

What can you do if your call has been dropped off the network and you need to use your telephone?

Will people still have to use coins for pay phones following a disaster?

Will long-distance calls be free?

Will pay phones have priority in a disaster?

In the aftermath of a disaster, how long will it be before phone service returns to normal?
The timing will depend on the magnitude, location and nature of the disaster, and its impact on the community. For example, when earthquakes were felt in the BC Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island areas in May 1996 and February 2001, congestion was a problem, as everyone went for the phone at the same time in the first hour after the earthquakes. Most calls were easily completed after this short disruption.

How do you tell the difference between delayed dial tone and no service?
Blow into the receiver mouthpiece. If you can hear yourself in the earpiece, you have delayed dial tone. Do not hang up and do not click the receiver button. Wait on the phone for a few seconds for dial tone. If you cannot wait, hang up and go to a pay phone or the nearest fire, police or ambulance station. If you cannot hear yourself in the earpiece and your telephone is connected to the wall jack, the circuit may be out of service and you will have to try another phone.

Can your call be dropped off the network if you take too long to dial after you get dial tone?
Yes. Once you get dial tone, if you take a long time to dial, your call can be dropped off the network so that other calls can be placed. We suggest you have the phone number written down by your phone so you will be ready to dial as soon as you get dial tone.

What can you do if your call has been dropped off the network and you need to use your telephone?
Hang up for about fifteen seconds and you will be able to use your telephone again.

Will people still have to use coins for pay phones following a disaster?
Pay phones will continue to accept the same forms of payment as they do now. If you have coins, we recommend using them as your first choice. If you do not have coins, you can place a call using a TELUS Calling Card™, Call-Me™ service or a prepaid phone card, but we anticipate that our operators will be busy and it will take some time to reach them. Any changes to normal business practice will be announced over the radio and television.

Will long-distance calls be free?
We do not anticipate that long-distance calls will be free. Once again, any changes to normal business practice will be announced over the radio and television.

Will pay phones have priority in a disaster?
Yes. TELUS pay phones will be given priority dial tone for outgoing calls. This will not affect incoming calls. Bear in mind that some pay phones may be damaged in a disaster. We will repair damaged TELUS pay phones as quickly as possible.