To enhance disaster readiness, DoT is testing real-time CB alerts designed to provide faster public warnings during disasters.
The Indian government has launched nationwide testing of Cell Broadcast (CB) technology to strengthen real-time public alert systems during disasters.
This initiative is being jointly undertaken by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), with technical support from the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT).
The testing phase, which will last two to four weeks, involves sending alerts in both English and Hindi to mobile phones with CB test channels enabled.
These messages may be received multiple times but require no action from recipients. According to officials, the objective is to assess network coverage and system performance across mobile towers and devices.
Significantly, CB technology is intended to complement India’s existing Short Message Service (SMS)-based Integrated Alert System.
Currently operational in all 36 States and Union Territories, this system, known as ‘SACHET’, was also developed by C-DOT and follows the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) recommended by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
So far, SACHET has been used to issue over 689.9 billion SMS alerts in more than 19 Indian languages during cyclones, floods, and other emergencies. However, SMS alerts can be delayed during periods of high network traffic.
In contrast, CB messages are broadcast instantly to all compatible devices within a targeted geographic area, making them more suitable for time-sensitive events such as tsunamis, earthquakes, lightning, or industrial accidents.
Additionally, officials have stressed that this testing phase is crucial for identifying technical challenges, ensuring handset compatibility, and enhancing coordination with telecom operators. They also note that raising public awareness will be essential for the system’s long-term success.
