The Federal Network Agency gives the go-ahead for the introduction of a civil protection alarm system via smartphones. Thanks to the so-called cell broadcast you will receive a notification on your mobile phone in the future if there are warnings of catastrophes or other accidents.
Cell broadcast: what is it exactly?
The cell broadcast enables authorities to send a warning to all cell phone users who are in certain areas. You don’t have to have the latest smartphone for this, the message also reaches “simple” devices.
Even if you don’t have a network, you still need to get the message. Network operators are obliged not only to notify their own customers. If you’re with Vodafone and don’t have a network at the moment, Telekom will warn you if their cell is nearby.
Guidelines from Thursday
According to the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport, the directive will come into force on Thursday, February 24, 2022. According to this, mobile network operators have to install Cell Broadcast’s technology in their networks within a year.
However, cell broadcast is not intended to replace storm apps such as NINA.
Source: dpa