Government Initiates Emergency Alert Testing for Jio and BSNL Users

In a significant stride towards disaster preparedness, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has commenced the testing phase for an emergency cell broadcast technology developed by C-DOT. This pioneering technology aims to promptly notify individuals during natural calamities, according to a senior government official's statement on Thursday.

A test message titled 'Emergency alert: Severe' was disseminated to subscribers of Jio and BSNL networks on the same day.

Rajkumar Upadhyay, the Chief Executive Officer of C-DOT, informed PTI that while the technology is currently only available through a foreign vendor, C-DOT is diligently developing it in-house.

"The development of cell broadcast technology is underway, with its implementation being overseen by NDMA. This technology will enable direct alerts on mobile phone screens during times of disasters. Our current focus is on testing it on Jio and BSNL networks," Upadhyay stated.

He emphasized the need to devise various versions of cell broadcast messages for seamless dissemination across the telecommunications network.

"These trials will be conducted on a nationwide scale," Upadhyay added, outlining the comprehensive nature of the testing process.