Argentina implemented this week AlertAR, an early warning system for emergencies in the face of disasters.
This will send direct messages to all mobile phones located in areas affected by natural disasters and other crises.
The technology allows notifying the population without the need for applications or prior registrations.
The National Communications Entity (ENACOM) and the Ministry of Security announced this Tuesday the launch of the project.
The system will be implemented with an investment of $12,000 million from the Universal Service Fund.
These resources will cover the acquisition, installation, and operation of the necessary technological infrastructure.
Cell Broadcasting Technology: how the early and mass warning system works
The emergency early warning system is based on Cell Broadcasting (CB).
This is an international standard that transmits simultaneous messages to all mobile devices within a specific geographical area.
Unlike traditional SMS, this technology broadcasts the same message from a cellular antenna to all connected phones.
The technology does not require users to register or provide personal data.
It is enough to have the mobile phone on and under coverage to receive the alerts. The system works independently of the telephone operator used.
Among the main advantages are:
- Immediate coverage and simultaneous to all devices in the designated area
- Guaranteed privacy: no personal data or user location is collected
- No applications or subscriptions required
- Compatibility with 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks
- Functionality even with network saturation or without mobile data
Implementation and operation of the system
The National Security Ministry will be the direct beneficiary of the emergency early warning system.
When the department detects an emergency, it will draft the message and send it through the CB system.
The transmission will reach all devices in the affected area from the mobile phone antennas.
Users will receive a notification on their phones that can interrupt ongoing calls.
The message requires reading before disappearing from the screen, ensuring that critical information is viewed.
The execution of the project will be carried out through specific agreements with mobile service providers and specialized suppliers.
The official document establishes a duration period of 36 months, with the possibility of extension.
Scope and applications of the AlertAR system
AlertAR will allow alerting the population in the face of natural disasters, extreme weather emergencies, and public safety warnings.
The former Minister of Security Patricia Bullrich, who left her position to assume as a senator, highlighted the importance of the initiative.
“AlertAR, a historic step to protect Argentinians. In any emergency, an alert system that reaches directly to each phone, whether on or off, fast and massive,” she asserted.
The Ministry of Security emphasized that it is “a paradigm shift”.
“A modern tool, direct and massive, created thanks to the joint work of the National Security Ministry, the AFE, the Secretariat of Innovation, Science and Technology, the ENACOM, and telecommunications companies,” they detailed.
The technology positions Argentina at the regional forefront in terms of early warnings and emergency management.
The solution is comparable to others adopted in Chile for earthquakes and the United States for hurricanes.
The system can also be used for urgent searches like Alerta Sofía.
