March 5, 2024 – True Corporation announced the successful testing of “Cell Broadcast,” an emergency alert system through mobile phone screens, completed on January 15. The corporation is negotiating cooperation with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, the NBTC, and the DDPM, aiming to launch the system to inform Thais about five levels of emergencies nationwide, specifically targeting disaster areas for safety, including earthquakes, tsunamis, and floods. The goal is to protect both the lives and properties of Thai users and foreign tourists.
Mr. Chakkrit Urairat, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of True Corporation Plc, said, “We have successfully tested the emergency alert, or Cell Broadcast, system in a closed test on January 15. By using technology to enhance safety and reduce risks in emergency situations for True and Dtac mobile users nationwide, this initiative emphasizes True Corporation’s commitment to public safety through telecommunications solutions. Currently, negotiations are underway with the government to put this system into practice, which has not been used in Thailand before, marking a first step of success for True Corporation in developing and cooperating towards the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, the NBTC, and the DDPM for immediate deployment.”
The Cell Broadcast system is an emergency alert system that sends messages on mobile phone screens from cell towers nationwide, instantly targeting specific areas and emergency situations. This system, different from conventional SMS, alerts immediately even if the device is off, with both sound signals and pop-up messages, informing of emergencies in a single round, allowing mobile users to receive information quickly and extensively without the need for any application download.
True Corporation’s Cell Broadcast system offers five levels of alerts in cooperation with the government:
- National Alert: The highest level of alert of utmost importance, immediately informing everyone within the coverage area.
- Emergency Alert: Alerts for various disasters like tsunamis, earthquakes, flash floods, or threats from criminals.
- Amber Alert: Alerts information when a child is missing or abducted to help the public stay alert and assist government officials in monitoring and reporting if suspects are spotted.
- Public Safety: Alerts public safety in areas or for monitoring cases involving residents, communities, and passersby.
- Test Alert: A system for testing alerts for specific purposes before expanding to monitoring and alerts at different levels.
The Cell Broadcast system can reach anyone with a mobile phone without downloading any applications, allowing for immediate receipt of information through both alert sounds and messages. True Corporation’s tested system supports five languages: Thai, English, Chinese, Japanese, and Russian, with a single alert sufficing.