Text Alerts to Cellphones in Emergency Are Approved

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

________________________________________
From: bobr () bobrosenberg phoenix az us [bobr () bobrosenberg phoenix az us]
Sent: Thursday, April 10, 2008 1:07 AM
To: David Farber
Subject: NYT:  Text Alerts to Cellphones in Emergency Are Approved

Dave

Perhaps for I.P.

I'm betting the hackers are there by 2010.2 -- at the latest.

Any takers?

Have a nice day.

Bob

--
Bob Rosenberg
P.O. Box 33023
Phoenix, AZ  85067-3023
Mobile:  602-206-2856
LandLine:  602-274-3012
bob () bobrosenberg phoenix az us

**************

"Once a government is committed to the principle of silencing the voice of
opposition, it has only one way to go, and that is down the path of increasingly
repressive measures, until it becomes a source of terror to all its citizens and
creates a country where everyone lives in fear."
-- President Harry S. Truman, message to Congress, August 8, 1950



Text Alerts to Cellphones in Emergency Are Approved
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/10/washington/10alert.html?ref=us


By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: April 10, 2008

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal regulators approved a plan on Wednesday to create a
nationwide emergency alert system using text messages delivered to cellphones.

Text messages have exploded in popularity, particularly among young people. The
trade group for the wireless industry, CTIA, estimates more than 48 billion text
messages are sent each month.

The plan stems from the Warning Alert and Response Network Act, a 2006 federal law
that requires upgrades to the emergency alert system. The act requires the Federal
Communications Commission to develop ways to alert the public about emergencies.

“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 after the plan was
approved.

Carriers’ participation in the system, which has strong support from the industry,
is voluntary.

Cellphone customers would be able to opt out of the program. They also may not be
charged for receiving alerts.

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.

The alerts would be delivered with a unique audio signature or ”vibration cadence.”

The service could be in place by 2010.


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