Cellphone users will see an additional charge on their bills later this year to help fund 911 call centres.

The province has passed the Emergency 911 Act, allowing it to collect a levy on cellphone users, which will be proclaimed into law later in 2013.

“This legislation will go a long way to ensuring Alberta’s 911 call centres and communities have a strong foundation for the future,” said Municipal Affairs Associate Minister Greg Weadick in a news release.

The fee is expected to be 44 cents a month, mirroring the existing levy on land lines.

The Tory government has said the rise of cellphones as a substitute for land lines in homes has left 911 call centres struggling to find resources to service an increasing number of emergency calls.

The bill also allows the government to establish provincewide standards and provides greater legal protection for call centres.

It also sets fines of $5,000 for a first offence and $10,000 for a subsequent offence for users who make a frivolous or vexatious 911 call.

jwood@calgaryherald.com