Cell broadcasting is playing an increasingly important role in Germany when it comes to rapid and widespread disaster warnings. The DE Alert service has been in operation since 2023 and has established itself as an integral part of the public warning infrastructure. Now the system has been expanded and will henceforth deliver not only warning messages but also official all-clear signals. This important feature, previously missing, now completes the warning system.
Cell Broadcast has existed since 1999 and serves to send messages directly via the respective cell tower to all reachable devices. This works without apps, mobile data, or modern smartphones. As a result, warnings also reach older devices. The introduction of DE Alert in Germany arose from the experiences following the flood disaster in the Ahr Valley in 2021. Additionally, an EU regulation stipulates that member states must offer a warning system via Cell Broadcast. However, all-clear signals are not necessarily included in this requirement. This has led to a gap so far, because after a warning, it is equally important to know when the situation is safe again.
DE Alert now also supports all-clear signals.
Since November 25th, DE Alert has been delivering official all-clear messages in addition to warnings. The Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Relief announced that the expansion was extensively tested with network operators. The all-clear message uses warning level 3. This is the lowest level and is normally used for hazard information. As a result, the loud alarm tones that accompany regular warnings are omitted. The information still appears clearly and reliably on mobile phones.
Why all-clear signals are important
A warning system only fulfills its purpose completely when it is clear when a danger no longer exists. While the EU regulation requires warnings via cell broadcast, it leaves the decision regarding all-clears to the individual member states. This creates uncertainty for the public, because without an official all-clear, it is difficult to assess whether a threat has truly ended. With this expansion, Germany closes this gap and makes DE Alert more practical and reliable for everyday use.
In which situations is Cell Broadcast activated?
Cell Broadcast is used in Germany in situations that pose an immediate danger to many people. These include extreme weather events, severe storms, natural disasters such as floods or storms, large fires, and the failure of critical infrastructure. This refers to power supplies, gas supplies, drinking water supplies, and other essential systems. Because the messages are transmitted directly via the cell tower, delivery occurs without delay and without the need for an additional app.
Cell Broadcast on the iPhone
iPhones support Cell Broadcast starting with iOS 16.1. To receive notifications, a cellular connection and an active device are required. Airplane mode blocks the signals. Cell Broadcast settings are located under Notifications. At the very bottom of the menu, alerts and test alerts can be enabled or disabled. However, during the last nationwide emergency alert test, the test alert settings were not used. Apple devices receive all messages via the cellular network.
Significance for the warning system in Germany
Cell Broadcast functions reliably, independent of internet or app usage. This makes the technology robust and widely applicable. The range is extensive, as even older mobile phones remain reachable. The addition of all-clear signals strengthens trust in government warning mechanisms and provides greater clarity in emergencies. DE Alert is thus evolving into a comprehensive and modern warning system that provides both warnings and subsequent all-clear signals without additional obstacles.
Cell Broadcast: A step towards a more reliable warning system
Cell Broadcast is a key component for rapid and reliable disaster warnings in Germany. With the newly available all-clear function, DE Alert becomes significantly more user-friendly and informative. The technology remains independent of apps, data connections, or smartphone generations, thus reaching virtually every device. This enhancement ensures that the public is not only warned of dangers in a timely manner but also knows when they have ended. This increases the transparency and reliability of the entire warning system. (Image: Shutterstock / pixadot.studio)
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