Washington — Federal regulators Wednesday approved a plan to create a nationwide emergency alert system using text messages delivered to cell phones.
Text messages have exploded in popularity in recent years, particularly among young people. The wireless industry's trade association, 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 nation's emergency alert system. The act tasked the Federal Communications Commission with coming up with new ways to alert the public about emergencies.
Participation in the alert system by carriers is voluntary, but it has received solid support from the wireless industry.
Cell phone subscribers would be able to opt out of the program. They also may not be charged for receiving alerts.
There would be three different types of messages, according to the rules. The first would be a national alert from the president, likely involving a terrorist attack or natural disaster. The second would involve "imminent threats," which could include natural disasters like hurricanes or tornadoes or even university shootings. The third would be reserved for child abduction emergencies, or so-called Amber Alerts.
The service could be in place by 2010.
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number3of5 (anonymous) says…
Will they be paying the cost for this text message? I don't do text messaging and do not appreciate it when someone else texts me because it costs me money.
domino (anonymous) says…
Article is not written the best - the line "may not be charged" could be read to mean either the provider will not be allowed to charge the subscriber, or the probider can choose whether or not to charge the provider. Either way, subscribers can choose to not do it. Most providers have free incoming text messages but if yours doesn't and you don't want to pay, opt out.