08 April 2024

AIS is advancing the creation of an emergency alert system through mobile phones using the Cell Broadcast Service.

AIS aims to enhance the safety of the general public and tourists, particularly in the aftermath of violent incidents, shootings, and various natural disasters. NBTC and AIS jointly announced the success of developing an alert system using the Cell Broadcast Service. NBTC has collaborated with various agencies to develop a location-specific emergency alert system with support from the Universal Service Obligation (USO) and Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund.

According to AIS, the location-specific emergency alert system involves sending direct warning messages from communication signal towers in the area to all mobile phones within that region. This system differs from regular SMS as it doesn’t require phone numbers, allowing for rapid and efficient communication of emergency information that covers the entire affected area. Importantly, the public doesn’t need to download any specific applications.

“We have collaborated with the NBTC and the government in selecting technology suitable for the country’s emergency alert system according to international standards. This technology is known as Cell Broadcast Service, a direct messaging communication system to mobile phones of the public. This system is well-suited for emergency notifications as it can send messages to mobile phones in the coverage area of the respective base station simultaneously. The message is displayed on the mobile phone screen as a Near Real-Time Triggering Pop-Up Notification, enabling immediate awareness of the situation. The latest testing of this technology has successfully achieved its intended goals, and we are ready to expand its integration with the country’s emergency alert system efficiently going forward,” said AIS in a release.