Federal government examines introduction of cell broadcasting
So-called cell broadcasting makes it possible to send messages to cell phones without an app or number in the event of a disaster. In a video conference, Federal Councilor Viola Amherd has now advocated the introduction of emergency alerts.
So far, the Swiss population has been informed about severe weather and floods via the media and the warning app "Alert Swiss" of the federal government warned. Germany and Austria have decided, Cell Broadcasting to be introduced next year. In an emergency, alerts appear full-screen on all cell phones within a selected radius. Unlike the Alertswiss app, the population does not require an app or a call number.
System is already used in other countries
At the Civil Protection Conference in Davos, Federal Councilor Viola Amherd advocated the introduction of the notification option in a video message. However, it is unlikely to happen quite so quickly in Switzerland, says Sandra Walker, head of communications at the Federal Office for Civil Protection to the "SRF". On the one hand, an interface to mobile operators is required, and on the other hand, network operators must activate cell broadcast in their networks, which will probably require a legal basis in Switzerland.
Cell broadcasts are used regularly in the USA: For example, residents in a vulnerable area are warned of storms or other natural disasters. The EU has adopted a directive on emergency warnings since 2018. By 2022, all EU countries must provide their citizens with a warning system that can reach a large number of people in an area simultaneously.
Source: SRF/BABS
