Emergency Alert Text System for Cell Phonesby Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger 10 Apr 2008 01:57 PM
Well, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has just approved a new nationwide alert system for cell phone users. The plan puts in place a federal agency that will create the messages and relay them to cell phone companies. The alerts will only be available on cell phone services that have agreed to participate in the service. The participating cell phone companies will have ten months to comply with any requirements for the service, once the alert agency is put into place. The alert messages would be text-based and sent in response to one of three scenarios:
Cell phone subscribers with cell phone companies that offer the alerts would be able to opt out of receiving the alerts. A distinct vibration or sound would be required to be produced by the cell phone companies for subscribers with disabilities. So far, the following cell phone companies have expressed an interest in the service, although no company has committed fully to the project: AT &T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Sprint Nextel. What do you think of this development? Will it expand the capabilities of emergency communications? Are you more likely to receive an emergency warning or alert if it is sent as text to your cell phone? Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here. Related Articles: Your Cell Phone Can Warn You of Speed Traps Learn more about Mary Ann Romans  Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat. Relevantcomputers tags User Comments Tashi (1013) 12 Apr 2008 10:45 AMI already receive Amber Alerts via text messages. Luckily, they aren't frequent, for obvious reasons. I would love emergency warnings via text, if the cell phone companies warm to the idea. I use my phone a lot, and am often on the go, so I may not hear about these things via tv, radio, or otherwise. To have emergencies sent to me via text message, would certainly be something I'd welcome.  Mary Ann Romans |
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This is a test, this is only a test...Who doesn�t know those words and the distinctive sound that accompanies testing of the Emergency Broadcasting System. And if you have ever been warned of severe weather in your area, you know how valuable that system is for everyone.
