NDMA starts testing cell broadcast technology

Relevance: GS3: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life, Indigenization of technology and development of new technology, Disaster management.

(Source: The Hindu, 08/18/23)

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Why in the news?

• The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has started testing Cell broadcast technology developed by CDoT, which will alert people to natural calamities and in emergency situations.
• Thousands of smartphone subscribers received a surprise emergency message on their mobile phone screens that read ‘Emergency alert: Severe’.

What is Cell broadcast technology?

• Cell broadcast technology is a method of sending messages to multiple mobile users in a defined area at the same time.
• It is a type of emergency warning system that enables government agencies and authorised organisations to broadcast critical messages to a large number of people in a specific place, such as during catastrophes or disasters.
• The cell broadcast technology is under development in India.
• The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has begun testing the emergency cell broadcast technology created by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) to inform people during emergency situations.
• The NDMA will use it to deliver alerts straight to mobile phone displays in the event of an emergency. It is currently being tested on Jio and BSNL networks.
• Message received by subscribers is - "This is a SAMPLE TESTING MESSAGE sent by the Department of Telecommunication, Government of India, via Cell Broadcasting System. Please disregard this message as no action is necessary on your part“.
• Its goal is to improve public safety and deliver timely warnings during emergencies.
• The technology is only accessible from a foreign provider, but C-DOT is developing it in-house.
• This method is now in use in developed countries. For example, the United States has an Emergency Alert System (EAS), which allows authorised officials to broadcast emergency alerts and warning messages to the public through cable, satellite, television, AM/FM, and satellite radio.

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