In a time of national emergency, it makes sense to have a system in place to alert all affected Americans. Email is too slow and unreliable, while individual phone calls to the affected population is just unreasonable. What the US needs is a nationwide SMS text messaging alert system.
And, that’s exactly what the FCC is proposing on Wednesday. The new program would put in place a national system by which to alert people natural disasters, terrorist attacks/activities, and even child abductions/Amber alerts. Wireless providers will be given the option to participate in the program. Furthermore, wireless subscribers will be given the option to opt-out of the program if they would rather not get emergency text messages.
Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T all said that they’d participate in the program when the FCC announces its proposal. AT&T stated that they still need to review the proposal, but they “look forward to offering mobile emergency alerts to our customers.” Sprint plans to participate in the program, provided that FCC-proposed system mirrors the one recommended by an advisory group.
A federal agency that will handle the emergency information and creation of text messages has yet to be named. But, once appointed, wireless providers will have 10 months to meet program-requirements if they plan to opt-in on the emergency SMS text messaging program.
[Via: CNN]