Alert messages are different from other types of messages. It usually pops up on screen and everyone gets the same message at the same time. This technology is named cell broadcast alert message. Authorities use this technology to spread information about disaster warnings.
Disaster management will not work better without integration, which includes cell broadcast technology. Since everyone has the right to get proper information about a recent disaster, this technology becomes more important. What are the benefits it has and its challenges?
The Benefits of Cell Broadcast Alert Message
1. Wider coverage
The coverage of cell broadcast devices is wider than an ordinary network device. It is not limited to certain providers and cell phone types. It is easier for the local authorities to send the message during a critical time. People in certain areas will get the same alert message.
Its reliability is very high as well. It doesn’t conflict with the area. The cell broadcast device can send the message to multiple users even though the density of the area is high. Delays will not occur even though the critical situation is happening because of the disaster itself.
2. Sending in real-time
People should take action during this critical time, or else they will lose their lives. This is such an important note for local authorities to use a reliable cell broadcast device. It does not have an overloaded threat that could happen like an ordinary provider infrastructure owned by providers.
Once the message is sent to many people, they will get the message in real time. It is so reliable that people can take action immediately. Usually, the cell broadcast alert message about evacuation routes and other tips that people can follow as guides.
3. Affordable Options
This might be the most affordable option that local authorities can rely on. Maintaining the warning system itself is already expensive. Meanwhile, a cell broadcast device does not need much cost because there is neither a special tool nor equipment to use. It is free and not related to a certain provider.
People who get the message also will not be charged for getting the alert message. It is such a win-win solution to protect everyone’s life. Since some regions may be poorer than others, a cell broadcast device is good as an advanced communication tool for all.
4. A message for All
The device will not differentiate users according to the provider they use. The message will be delivered to the people in the specific area. It means as long as people who may get affected because of the disaster will receive the message immediately though they are in silent mode.
The message does not appear in the message menu. It pops up with a vibration when it arrives on someone else's phone. Thus, people also will get the message though they do not have a balanced internet connection. This is why this device is very reliable for local authorities to handle recent situations.
The Challenges of Cell Broadcast Message
1. The Length of Message
The text in a cell broadcast alert message is usually very short because people are in critical situations. It is the advantage that can be a great challenge as well. Some other important information may be excluded that people have no idea further, especially about disasters.
The text is usually only delivered as one message that people can see in a few seconds. Sending more than one message can create further confusion for the recipients. This limitation is very complex which is the reason why this is the greatest challenge.
2. Spatial Coverage
People who are not in the specific area that gets affected because of the disaster may not receive the message. Full coverage seems to be impossible when the aftermath of a disaster is larger than it was predicted before.
3. Privacy Matter
Since the message pops up out of nowhere, some people may ignore it because they think it is a spam message. It does not have a sender and number. This lack of awareness should get proper education that their phone might get an alert message without any subscriptions.
The reliability of cell broadcast alert message has increased because of the government's awareness of disaster management. The device as an SMS broadcaster becomes one of the reliable tools in the system because it is the best device that sends messages to communities efficiently.
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