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Washington: Federal regulators in the United States have approved a plan to create a nationwide emergency alert system using text messages delivered to cellphones.
"The ability to deliver accurate and timely warnings and alerts through cellphones and other mobile services is an important next step in our efforts to help ensure that the American public has the information they need to take action to protect themselves and their families prior to, and during, disasters and other emergencies," the commission chairman, Kevin J. Martin, said.
Carriers' participation in the system, which has strong support from the industry, is voluntary. Cellphone customers would be able to opt out of the programme. They also may not be charged for receiving alerts. The alerts would be delivered with a unique audio signature or "vibration cadence." The service could be in place by 2010.
Three types of messages
There would be three types of messages, according to the rules.
- The first would be a national alert from the president, probably involving a terrorist attack or natural disaster.
--The second would involve "imminent threats" that could include natural disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes or university shootings.
--The third would be reserved for child abductions, so-called Amber alerts.
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