FCC calls for a Cellular alert system
San Francisco - The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has moved to set up a system that would send text alerts to people on their cellular phones in case of natural disasters and other emergencies.
With an order released Wednesday, the FCC adopted technical requirements for transmission of the alerts, which would require the cooperation of mobile operators. However, at least one large hurdle remains before the system is launched: No government agency has yet been named to collect and transmit the alerts to Cell Phone Network operators.
The Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS) would be designed to reach U.S. residents regardless of whether they have access to a TV, a radio, or electricity. More than 250 million people in the country have Cell phones today, FCC commissioners noted
More On FCC Call for Cell Phone Alert System
