Sprint to Provide Emergency Alerts Via Its Wireless Network
Nov 15, 2011, 10:49 AM by Eric M. Zeman
updated Nov 15, 2011, 5:53 PM
Sprint today announced that it will be the first wireless network operator in the U.S. to provide Wireless Emergency Alerts. The system allows Sprint to disseminate alerts issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, The National Weather Service, the White House, and local/state governments regarding disasters, warnings, or other crises. Warnings and safety information are sent via text alerts to properly equipped mobile phones, taking into account the device's location with respect to any affected areas. Sprint will be performing a major test of the system in New York City's five boroughs later this year. The test will deliver a series of different geo-targeted wireless alerts to multiple Sprint devices spread across Brooklyn, The Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. The alerts can be received by a wide number of Sprint's smartphones. The messages, which will be limited to 90 characters and have their own vibrate and ring alerts, are free to receive. The alerts will be sent in three categories: Presidential Alerts, Imminent Threats to Life and Property, and AMBER Alerts. They will and provide information that will let users know if they are in imminent danger. Wireless users can opt out of all message types with the exception of presidential alerts. Sprint will be working with various national and local agencies to make the system available across the country over the course of the next year.
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