Emergency alertsSprint customers first to receive wireless emergency alerts

Thanks to Sprint, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will now be able to broadcast wireless emergency alerts to cell phones for the first time.

The move allows FEMA, the president of the United States, the National Weather Service, or local and state emergency officials to broadcast warning messages and safety information through text messages.

In addition emergency officials can geo-target alerts so that only subscribers in a specific area receive messages. For instance an emergency alert can be sent only to cell phones at a stadium event, or in the case of a wildfire or tornado, residents in specific neighborhoods can be targeted.

When the system is activated, targeted cell phones will receive a ninety character text alert with a distinct vibration cadence and audio tone similar to the sound of radio and television emergency alerts. 

Spring is still testing the emergency alert system, and later this year, the company will conduct the first test in New York City. Working in conjunction with the New York City Office of Emergency Management, FEMA, and DHS’ Science and Technology Directorate, Sprint will deliver a series of different wireless alerts to its mobile phones in various neighborhoods throughout Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.

“Providing immediate, reliable wireless communications before, during and following an emergency situation is trademark of Sprint’s service,” said Steve Elfman, the president of Sprint’s Network Operations and Wholesale division. “Sprint is proud to be the first wireless carrier in the United States to offer this service, and we look forward to testing this critical service in a city that is the epicenter of our nation’s financial, media and fashion markets.”