Apple Activates Cell Broadcast System for Emergency Alerts in Thailand
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission announces the activation of Apple's cell broadcast system for disaster warnings, improving response capabilities for 50 million mobile users.
Apple has announced the activation of its cell broadcast system in Thailand, allowing the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) to send emergency alerts directly to approximately 50 million mobile phone users across the country.
This development was confirmed by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) as part of an initiative aimed at strengthening Thailand’s disaster warning infrastructure.
Trairat Viriyasirikul, the acting secretary-general and deputy secretary-general of the NBTC, reported that Apple had positively responded to the DDPM's request and committed to completing the activation of the cell broadcast system within five days.
Following this, SMS alerts are expected to be implemented within a subsequent two-week period.
The newly activated cell broadcast technology is capable of dispatching as many as 30 million messages per hour, utilizing both 4G and 5G network capabilities.
This robust system is intended to enhance the country's emergency communication capabilities significantly.
Trairat emphasized the limitations of traditional SMS technology in the context of disaster response.
He stated, "SMS was never designed for disaster warnings.
It’s primarily a commercial tool.
In the event of a disaster, like the recent earthquake, we need a more robust and immediate system.
That’s why we’re implementing cell broadcast, alongside other measures." This move is seen as a crucial step for Thailand in improving its readiness for natural disasters and ensuring timely communication during emergencies.
This development was confirmed by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) as part of an initiative aimed at strengthening Thailand’s disaster warning infrastructure.
Trairat Viriyasirikul, the acting secretary-general and deputy secretary-general of the NBTC, reported that Apple had positively responded to the DDPM's request and committed to completing the activation of the cell broadcast system within five days.
Following this, SMS alerts are expected to be implemented within a subsequent two-week period.
The newly activated cell broadcast technology is capable of dispatching as many as 30 million messages per hour, utilizing both 4G and 5G network capabilities.
This robust system is intended to enhance the country's emergency communication capabilities significantly.
Trairat emphasized the limitations of traditional SMS technology in the context of disaster response.
He stated, "SMS was never designed for disaster warnings.
It’s primarily a commercial tool.
In the event of a disaster, like the recent earthquake, we need a more robust and immediate system.
That’s why we’re implementing cell broadcast, alongside other measures." This move is seen as a crucial step for Thailand in improving its readiness for natural disasters and ensuring timely communication during emergencies.
