Thailand’s leading telecommunications firm, True Corporation, successfully conducted the first live test of its new emergency alert system, the Cell Broadcast Service, on Wednesday.
This test marks a crucial advancement in enhancing the country’s public safety and disaster preparedness.
The demonstration took place at True Tower Ratchadapisek, showcasing the system’s capability to deliver emergency alerts.
This initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Digital Economy and Society Ministry, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.
During the event, True highlighted the role of its Business and Network Intelligence Center, which utilizes artificial intelligence for centralized management of operations in crisis situations.
Following an NBTC board decision in April, a cell broadcast service (CBS) system was approved. It will be implemented and managed by True, Advanced Info Service (AIS), and National Telecom.
This technology enables the transmission of emergency messages to all mobile devices within a designated area, without needing phone numbers.
Unlike traditional SMS, the cell broadcast system operates without requiring phone numbers, allowing for swift and widespread distribution of emergency information. Users do not need to install any apps to receive these alerts.
The NBTC plans to establish this robust public warning system to enhance safety during incidents such as violence, shootings, and natural disasters.
Dr. Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck, NBTC chairman, expressed confidence that the emergency alert service on mobile phones will be operational by mid-2025.
Earlier in March, the NBTC and AIS conducted a test run of the CBS as part of an emergency alert system for mobile devices.
True’s CEO, Manat Manavutiveth, commented on the recent increase in losses from natural disasters, accidents, and crimes in Thailand, emphasizing True’s partnership with governmental bodies to develop the CBS for public safety alerts.
True’s New Emergency System Undergoes Successful Testing
The test included the capability to design and transmit alerts in multiple languages, including Thai, English, Chinese, Japanese, and Russian.
The CBS technology is structured into two segments: the cell broadcast entity (CBE) and the cell broadcast center (CBC), as per NBTC guidelines.
A government-run central command will manage the technology using the CBE system, which handles message content, delivery areas, and other functionalities.
Messages are then processed and distributed to base stations in specified areas by the mobile operators using the CBC system.
Gen Sittichai Markkoonchorn, assistant to the NBTC chairman, noted that the full implementation of the system awaits the development of the command center for the CBE system.
Additionally, the government must finalize decisions regarding which agency will manage the command center and handle the dissemination of warning messages to the public, Gen Sittichai added.
