The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is advising residents of several Northwest Territories (NWT) communities that Northwestel will be conducting planned network maintenance on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, between 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. (MST).

During this maintenance window, some services will be disrupted for up to four hours. In Yellowknife, disruption will impact local and long-distance telephone calling, 9-1-1, cellular and internet services. In Hay River and Fort Smith, long-distance telephone and 9-1-1 services will be impacted.

Other communities across the Northwest Territories may also experience temporary disruptions to 9-1-1 access during this maintenance period.

The GNWT has taken steps to ensure that NWT 9-1-1 services remain operational for those who still have phone service. Residents should still be able to call 9-1-1 if their phone system is operational. During the service outage, access to the RCMP may be obtained through the following methods:

Within Yellowknife

• If 9-1-1 services are unavailable, go directly to the Detachment to access the emergency phone outside the front door.
• Officers will be actively patrolling the communities during the outage.

Outside Yellowknife

• If 9-1-1 services are unavailable, proceed to your local Detachment.
• In the event of a health emergency, if you are unable to reach your local health clinic or hospital by phone, go in person for any urgent needs.  For non-urgent health advice, call 8-1-1 to speak with a registered nurse.
  For more information and updates, please visit the GNWT’s Public Safety page.

For media requests, please contact:

Name: Peter Tah                              
Title: Senior Communications and Planning Advisor
Department: Municipal and Community Affairs
Government of the Northwest Territories
Email: Peter_Tah@gov.nt.ca           
Phone Number: (867) 767-9162 Ext: 21044