By Julian Castillo
01 Dec 2023, 20:09 PM EST
In a continuing effort to strengthen seismic warning systems, Mexico City has announced the official implementation of the Cell Broadcast service starting January 31, 2024. This initiative, led by José Merino of the Digital Agency for Public Innovation in collaboration with the Federal Government and the Disaster Prevention Area, marks a significant milestone in the search for technological solutions to improve citizen security.
Cell Broadcast, which was first considered as an additional seismic alert on mobile devices in 2015, has gone through a development and testing process over the past eight years. During the second national drill of 2023, Mexico City carried out extensive tests with this system, paving the way for its final implementation in early 2024 in the Valley of Mexico.
This service aims to guarantee the immediate delivery of messages in real timeoperating similarly to text messages, as long as the devices are connected to the network. It is presented as a crucial complement to seismic alert speakersproviding an additional layer of notification to maximize alert coverage and effectiveness.
How does Cell Broadcast work?
One of the outstanding features of Cell Broadcast is its ability to activate “SMS Flash”. This implies that, at receive an alert, the system will turn on the flash and the device screen, showing the message in a visual and striking way. Most notably, this feature operates without the need for balance, data or intermediaries, ensuring efficient alert delivery even in situations where traditional connectivity could be affected.
In the development and testing process, emphasis has been placed on accessibility and inclusivity. Cell Broadcast seeks to be an effective tool for the entire population, regardless of your financial situation or access to telecommunications services. The ability to operate without requiring data or device balance is a significant step toward equity in the distribution of seismic alerts.
Where will it be available?
Initially, this service will be available exclusively for Mexico City. However, The Federal Government has ambitious plans to expand the implementation of Cell Broadcast nationwide in the future. This nationwide vision reflects the continued commitment to public safety and the use of technology to mitigate the risks associated with seismic events.
The implementation of Cell Broadcast represents a clear example of how technological innovation can be used to strengthen the resilience of a community in emergency situations. Combining traditional audible alerts with visual notifications on mobile devices demonstrates a comprehensive approach to disaster managementtaking advantage of the widespread penetration of mobile devices in modern society.
The Cell Broadcast service stands as a crucial component in Mexico City’s seismic alert system, improving notification capacity and providing an additional layer of security to the population. Its implementation beginning in January 2024 marks the fulfillment of a vision that was conceived eight years ago and represents a significant step toward building safer and more resilient communities.
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