Broadcast-based public warning systems are best

Mobile phone broadcast-based public warning systems (PWS) are currently the most effective technical solution for large group emergency notifications in the Americas, according to a new report (PDF) from 5G Americas.

The report confirms that it is more beneficial for the general public to use cell broadcast-based PWS as opposed to point-to-point methods such as SMS and over-the-top applications.

The report cites several advantages over point-to-point methods, including:

• There are typically no significant delivery delays when attempting to deliver messages to a large number of recipients in a short period of time.
• A cell broadcast subscription is not required.
• Messages are broadcast to all devices within a specific alert area.
• Smartphone subscribers do not require a data services subscription with their wireless provider.

“Successful emergency warning communications systems are essential in today’s society when the impact of monumental disasters can be lessened by proper advance notification to people,” said Chris Pearson, President, 5G Americas.

“Several countries in the Americas region have deployed and are actively working towards developing cell broadcast-based public warning systems, built upon the industry-wide 3GPP standards, which offers the best technical option for providing a safety net in the event of emergencies.”

Jose Otero, Director of Latin America and the Caribbean, 5G Americas, added, “There remain some challenges to overcome in order to promote seamless international roaming, such as the use of different applications in countries, different languages, and even the use of different ringtones, alert banners and character sets”.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/R. Roth

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