National Cell Phone Alert System Proposed
The Federal Communications Commission will be announcing a new national cell phone alert system, that will use text messages to notify United States residents in case of emergency. (Davidson, 2008)
The four major national cell phone providers, AT&T, Sprint Nextel, Verizon, and T-Mobile are all expressed intent to participate in the program if the advisory commissions plan for the national text message plan is adopted.
In the wake of disasters such as Hurricane Katrina, and the recent school shootings that have occurred, the system would be used primarily for three proposes: a national disaster, terrorist attack, or other threat, ongoing updates on potentially disastrous weather conditions, or child abductions. (CNN, 2008)
With the prevalence of cell phones today, Kevin Martin, FCC Chairman said, “It is essential that we support and advance new ways to share critical, time-sensitive information with them in times of crisis.”
Should the plan for the National Text Alert plan be put into place, it should be in place by 2010.
Sources:
Davidson, P. (2008, April 9). Nationwide Cellphone Alert System in the Works. USA Today , p. Pg. 01b.
CNN Money (2008, April 9). Cell Phone Alert System Proposed. Retrieved April 14, 2008, from CNN Money: http://money.cnn.com/2008/04/09/technology/fcc_cell_phone_alert/index.htm?section=money_latest