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Apr. 11, 2008

The Federal Communications Commission has fully approved the planning for a new service that would create a countrywide alert system that would send text messages to wireless subscribers in case of specific emergencies.

As part of the new program, the FCC will appoint a federal agency that will draft messages for wireless carriers to send to phone users.

Once the emergency alert agency is named, wireless carriers that choose to participate in the program will have about ten months to meet the commission’s technical requirements.

Not all phone carriers have to participate in the new system, but those that do will send a text message to wireless subscribers warning them of three specific types of emergencies:

National disasters that could jeopardize the health or safety of Americans

Imminent or ongoing threats such as hurricanes, tornadoes or earthquakes

Child abductions or Amber Alerts

The FCC's new emergency program stems from an act passed by Congress two years ago that called on the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, the Department of Homeland Security and other agencies to work together to expand the capabilities of emergency communications in the U.S. using text messages.

Along with the plan being voluntary for wireless carriers, subscribers also can opt out of receiving the alerts if they elect to do so.

All four major national carriers said they will most likely participate in the system.

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Source: The Federal Communications Commission.