Wireless Amber Alert system unveiled

The federal government and the country's wireless communication companies on Wednesday unveiled a new tool for spreading Amber Alerts in case of child abductions.

Customers of most Canadian wireless service providers will be able to sign up to get alerts as text messages on their cellphones.

An Amber Alert is issued by police when a child abduction occurs in a region where the alert system is operating. An alert typically contains information such as the child's and/or abductor's description.

Wireless service providers participating in the new message system include Bell, Fido, Koodo, MTS, NorthernTel, Rogers, SaskTel, Solo Mobile, Télébec, TELUS, Videotron and Virgin Mobile.

"Through co-operation between the RCMP and wireless service providers, this initiative will demonstrate how technology can help fight serious criminal activity and make the most vulnerable citizens in our society safer," said Public Safety Minister Vic Toews in a release.

Consumers can sign up online at www.wirelessamber.ca or directly through their wireless device.