DoT and NDMA to conduct testing of Cell Broadcast Alert System

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has announced that they will conduct cell broadcast alert system testing to enhance emergency communication during disasters and ensure the safety and well-being of citizens in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

The tests of the Cell Broadcast Alert System will be conducted on each telecom service provider and performed from time to time in various regions across the country to gauge the efficiency and effectiveness of the emergency alert broadcasting capabilities of the systems in place and of various mobile operators and the Cell Broadcast System.

Cell Broadcast Alert System is a state-of-the-art technology that allows the authorities to send critical and time-sensitive messages for disaster management to all mobile devices within a designated geographical area, irrespective of whether the recipients are residents or visitors. This ensures that important emergency information reaches as many people as possible in a timely manner. It is used by government agencies and emergency services to inform the public about potential threats and keep them informed during critical situations. Cell broadcast is commonly used to deliver emergency alerts, such as severe weather warnings like a tsunami, flash flood, or earthquake, public safety messages, evacuation notices, and other critical information.

During the testing period, the public may receive simulated emergency alerts on their mobile devices. These alerts are part of the planned testing process and do not indicate an actual emergency mentioned by the authorities, and each test alert will clearly indicate that it is a test message to avoid confusion. On October 30, the tests will be conducted in the state of Assam, but depending on the system's readiness, the schedule may change.

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