There's lots of buzz these days about a national system for, in effect, broadcasting emergency alerts to mobile devices. With lots of fanfare, the "Personal Localized Alerting Network" (or PLAN) was announced in New York City a few weeks ago. It's the same program known as CMAS (or "Commercial Mobile Alert System").
Much of the buzz mentions the fact that the program is voluntary for cell carriers. They don't have to participate. However, at least 144 carriers have informed the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that, indeed, they will participate. This includes the major ones. Some of the carriers are already shipping mobile devices equipped to receive PLAN/CMAS alerts for imminent threats, Amber alerts, or Presidential messages.
If you're interested in whether call carriers in your area will participate, you can download the list here.
All the best,
Rick
Galain Solutions, Inc.
Emergency Notification Technology and Process Consulting
www.galainsolutions.com
