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Weatheradio going off the air as Environment Canada moves emphasis to online and apps

Environment and Climate Change Canada announced the permanent disconnection of Weatheradio, directing users to the WeatherCAN app or interactive map for future weather alerts and forecasts.
Operating since the 1970s with 230 transmitters stretching across Canada, Weatheradio reached more than 90 per cent of Canadians but became increasingly challenging to maintain as technological advancements and expanding cellular coverage reduced its necessity.
Allan Boyd, president of Radio Amateurs of Canada, recalled the 2022 Rogers network outage to highlight infrastructure vulnerabilities, warning that "if that goes down, then there's not much to rely on."
The dial-in Good Morning service ends Monday, while marine forecasts remain via the Canadian Coast Guard. Sheena Campbell, spokeswoman for Alberta's Ministry of Public Safety and Emergency Services, confirmed urgent alerts will still reach mobile devices.
York University professor Nirupama Agrawal compared the decision to past rail service cuts, noting that alternatives can be expensive for users but maintaining transmitters may not justify the cost for government services.

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Weatheradio going off the air as Environment Canada moves emphasis to online and apps

ROB DRINKWATER - A cross-Canada radio service that for decades has delivered the latest local forecasts as well as critical alerts about severe weather 24 hours a day is signing

9 days ago·Toronto, Canada

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