India launches nationwide emergency alert system, triggers pop-up message on phones
The system is already active across all 36 states and Union Territories and sends location-based disaster warnings to mobile users via SMS.
PTC News Desk: Millions of mobile phones across India rang simultaneously on Saturday as part of a government test of a mobile-based disaster alert system. Authorities had already advised people to ignore these trial messages.
The Department of Telecommunications, working with the National Disaster Management Authority, is strengthening this system to quickly send important alerts during emergencies. It uses the Common Alerting Protocol, recommended by the International Telecommunication Union.
The system is already active across all 36 states and Union Territories and sends location-based disaster warnings to mobile users via SMS.
Cell Broadcast (CB) technology has been introduced, alongside SMS, in which alerts are transmitted to all mobile devices within a defined geographic area simultaneously, ensuring near real-time delivery of the alerts.
"As part of the pan-India rollout and the launch of the Cell Broadcast (CB) facility, nationwide testing and trials are currently being conducted to assess the system's performance and reliability prior to its formal inauguration and dedication to the nation. During this period, members of the public may receive test messages in English, Hindi and regional languages on their mobile devices," the statement said.