Brazil is preparing to implement a new emergency alert system, scheduled to come into operation in the South and Southeast by December this year. Focusing on these regions, where the summer period brings an increase in the occurrence of rain and, consequently, risk situations, the system promises to bring greater efficiency in communication and preparation for adverse events.
The information comes from g1 and TV Globo, who interviewed Gustavo Borges, superintendent of the National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel).
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“The expectation is that we will be able to expand by next summer to all states in the South and Southeast region”, stated Gustavo Borges, superintendent of the National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel), in an interview with g1 and TV Globo.
Currently, Civil Defense is testing the system in ten Brazilian municipalities, strategically chosen based on their history of disasters and the capacity of local civil defenses.
How the new alert system works
Telecommunications tower, in Salvador, BA. (Image: Joa Souza / Shutterstock.com)
The new system will operate through sound and pop-up messages on cell phones, which overlay the content on the screen. One of the advantages is that no registration will be required from the user to receive these messages. All you need to do is have a cell phone compatible with 4G and 5G networks and be in a coverage area to receive alerts automatically.
Civil Defense will be responsible for operating the system, delimiting risk areas to issue warning signals. All compatible cell phones within these areas will receive notifications.
It is important to highlight that devices purchased from 2020 onwards are already compatible with this technology, which works on 4G and 5G networks.
Despite the implementation of the new system, SMS will continue to be used by Civil Defense, especially in high-risk situations. The new system, known as “cell broadcast”, will be reserved for serious moments with a high probability of disasters occurring.
It is a warning that, in a way, generates a situation of great attention on the part of the person. So, it has to be reserved for very serious moments and situations, with a very high probability (of occurring).
Gustavo Borges, superintendent of the National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel), in an interview with g1 and TV Globo
Pending issues for launch
“At the end of 2022, on its own initiative, Anatel ordered operators to implement the new alert system,” highlighted Borges. “There remain, however, two pending issues for launch: civil defense training and the communications plan.”
To launch the system, civil defense training and the development of a communication plan are still necessary. These steps are under the responsibility of the Ministry of Integration and Regional Development (MIDR) and the Ministry of Communications.
Severe flooding hit Rio Grande do Sul this year. (Image: Cid Guedes / Shutterstock.com)
According to MIDR information obtained at the beginning of May by g1, the system is in the final adjustment phase, and the launch is expected to occur as soon as the situation in Rio Grande do Sul normalizes.
On the first day of testing for the ten selected municipalities, Anatel will carry out a demonstration alert to explain how the system works and how to use the available resources.
