FCC gives national SMS alert system stamp of approval
As expected, the FCC today approved plans to roll out a nationwide SMS-based alert system, which is now all but certain to be adopted by all four national carries, and no doubt most regional carriers as well. As CNN reports, under the new plan, the FCC will appoint a federal agency tasked with creating the messages, which will in turn be passed on to participating carriers (which will have ten months to comply with the system once the agency is named). Those messages will be limited to one of three categories of emergencies, including disasters like a terrorist attack, ongoing threats like hurricanes or earthquakes, or child abductions or amber alerts. Also as we had heard before, individuals will be able to opt out of the system if they so desire, and carriers will be required to provide distinct vibration and audio alert options for people with disabilities.[Thanks, Ron]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Erik P. Hilderbrand @ Apr 10th 2008 3:25PM
DO NOT WANT.
Seth A @ Apr 10th 2008 3:38PM
The big question is for the people without Unlimited Text plans. Will these be just like carrier "promotional" messages, where they do not count as a message. It that is not the case, then this program will have big issues. I for one have been waiting for something like this. A text message telling me there is a Tornado Warning or something would be very helpful. I hope there is more preference than just "Opt out" For example, I would be much more willing to get an Amber Alert Text in the afternoon while eating than at 5 AM when I am asleep. Even better, have it send messages based on the current region you are in, for example, while traveling, you would get warnings for that area, not your home region. The EAS system in America is incredible, tie it in correctly with Mobile Phones, suddenly everywhere you are, you know about impending danger. However, overuse will cause people to ignore it, use it correctly, it would be a very good thing to have.
SES21 @ Apr 10th 2008 3:38PM
I think it's a great idea. Just one question: will the carriers charge for these messages, either per message or against one's quota?
ccycx @ Apr 10th 2008 4:05PM
Imagine driving along and receiving a "government" text message in a no-driving-text-message state and being ticked by a cop for receiving it! Thousands of people simultaneously receiving a “Terror Alert” message will clog the cell-system not to mention millions more immediately calling family and friends to see if they are OK. Pogo was right: "We Have Met the Enemy and He Is Us"!
danny @ Apr 10th 2008 11:13PM
sms alerts won't work, most people turn there cell phones off at night, some older or handicap people don't use cell phones, the only systems i know that would work is direct phone calls to all land lines and cell phones using natural language, that can not only deliver the message but also listen to who need help (in the case where the call tells them to leave the home but they need help to leave) look at the Simptel alert system it can find cell phones in a region getting the numbers from the cell phone towers and speak 44 different languages, which would help a tourist from another country
Kumar @ Apr 11th 2008 11:27AM
I imagine the messages will be free, since there was a requirement to send them to out of contract phones as well (used for emergency only/battered wife shelter for example)
Those of you not living in the midwest or tornado alley probably wouldn't see the direct value of this. Most homes these days insulate so well that you never hear a warning siren. The best way to reach a mass audience these days is by text. Then you can even alert people driving in the area a dangerous storm is around.
The amber alert is a good tool too.
All of these realy on sending texts to people only in specific cell tower ranges though. Hopefully this system has that kind of specific control.
Overall though, if you look at the big picture, this is yet another reason to have all networks use the same frequencies for phones (like Europe), to make this sort of endeavor less of a nightmare. The upside for us would be the ability to buy your phone, then shop for a provider.
Ivan Komarov @ Apr 14th 2008 4:47AM
I am PRO.
Gathering opinions at http://www.eyeline.mobi/blog