On 13 November, a technical test of the rapid public information system using mobile phones via Cell Broadcast technology will be carried out in the Sheptytskyi district. During the test, residents of the district will receive special messages on their smartphones with information about the test and a request to remain calm.
Cell Broadcast is a mass alert technology that makes it possible to send messages instantly to all mobile devices within a defined area. Unlike standard SMS, such alerts do not overload the network and are delivered in a fraction of a second.
The main advantages of the system include:
- instant delivery of messages without overloading the mobile network;
- display of the alert over all apps and the lock screen, which ensures it captures the user’s full attention;
- the text is accompanied by a loud, distinctive signal that can be heard even in “Silent” mode;
- geotargeting — only subscribers located in a specific district or locality receive the alert;
- anonymity, as phone numbers are not required for the broadcast; all devices within the coverage area of a base station receive the signal.
During the test, a trial message will appear on phone screens along the lines of: “Attention! A technical test of the rapid public information system is being conducted in the [Name] district of Lviv region. Please remain calm”.
In future, this system is planned to be used for rapid public alerts about real threats and emergency situations.