Some Android mobile phone users in England got an ’emergency alert’ from the government today, as part of a nationwide test of a new warning system.
It was the first of two tests this month, with the second also including iPhone users, but restricted to people in Reading. Both are purely a test and not a real warning.
The emergency alert system has been set up to give the government a way to quickly warn people of an impending risk to life from things like flooding or fire.
Few people were expected to receive the alert, which was triggered between 13:00 BST and 14:00 BST and made it clear it was a ‘test of the Emergency Alerts service’.
It said: ‘This is a mobile network operator test of the Emergency Alerts service. You do not need to take any action. To find out more, search for gov.uk/alerts.’
The warning was also able to trigger a ‘loud siren-like sound’ on user’s device and is based on systems built natively into iOS and Android with an ‘opt-out’ option.
When fully rolled out it will only work for users connected to 4G and 5G masts and people with an iPhone running iOS 14.5 or Android running version 11.
Some Android mobile phone users in England got an ’emergency alert’ from the government today, as part of a nationwide test of a new warning system
Flood alerts are one of the things the government will user the alert system to warn users about and it can be restricted to the local area
The government hasn’t shared an update on the results of the latest test, but if both go to plan the system will be rolled out nationwide.
Users will be able to opt out in their phone settings but the most severe alerts will still get through.
The system makes use of mobile infrastructure – specifically 4G and 5G – sending the message to all devices connected to specific masts rather than to mobile numbers.
The same type of system is already widely in use in New Zealand where it has been credited with saving lives around national emergencies.
The government has already tested the new UK system in East Suffolk where residents were sent a ‘test alert’.
The Government alert website explained that ’emergency alerts will warn you if there’s a danger to life nearby. ‘In an emergency, your phone or tablet will receive an alert with advice about how to stay safe.’
As well as natural disasters like fire, flooding and extreme weather events, the alert system can warn of impending terror attacks or virus outbreaks.
In March 2020 the government worked with all mobile networks to send an automated text message to inform people about lockdown rules and have sent flood warning tests prior to this alert in coordination with the mobile networks, but this acts as a standalone service the government or emergency service officials can trigger themselves.
The new system works with iOS 14.5 or later and Android 11 or later, which have the emergency system infrastructure built in.
It may also work on older Android devices that have a Wireless Alerts setting. It is also restricted to 4G and 5G networks, it won’t work on 2G and 3G systems as the Cell Broadcast technology hasn’t been integrated into those masts.
Once fully implemented – likely by the end of summer this year – emergency services and government bodies will be able to use it in times of emergency.
The emergency alert system has been set up to give the government a way to quickly warn people of an impending risk to life from things like flooding or fire
It can work at both a local and national level, with any test making it very clear that it isn’t a real emergency.
While users can opt out of the alerts, the government has urged people to keep it switched on as it will include more than a simple flood alert.
‘Emergency alerts are broadcast from mobile phone masts. Every compatible mobile phone or tablet in range will receive an alert,’ the government explained.
A number of countries are already using emergency alert systems to warn users of everything from impending fires and floods to Covid-19 restrictions
The government does not need your phone number to send you an alert.
The test on June 29 will be restricted to iPhone and Android users in Reading, Berkshire with a test alert sent between 13:00 BST and 14:00 BST. Users are told they won’t have to do anything and it will be clear this is a test.
It will say: ‘The UK government is testing Emergency Alerts in Reading, Berkshire. Emergency alerts tell you what to do if there’s a life-threatening event nearby. To find out more, call 0808 1697692 or search for gov.uk/alerts’
