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SALT LAKE CITY -- "This is only a test."
The now infamous high-pitched shriek , generally followed by a monotonous voice announcing a test of the Emergency Alert System is now coming to cell phones around the nation.
On Tuesday, federal officials announced that cell phone users in New York and Washington D.C. can start receiving alerts by text message about regional and national emergencies later this year.
Participating cell phone users will receive Amber Alerts for missing children, regional emergencies and threats, and alerts from the president. Only residents in the affected area would receive the alert through local cell towers forwarded by mobile carriers.
This new technology could become a lifeline for millions of Americans and is another tool that will strengthen our nation's resilience against all hazards.
–W. Craig Fugate
However, users will not be able to opt out of alerts from the President.
The new system is known as the Personal Localized Alerting Network, or PLAN.
According to the FCC, PLAN is a free service that will "allow customers with an enabled mobile device to receive geographically-targeted, text-like messages alerting them of imminent threats to safety in their area."
To receive alerts, users must have a mobile phone embedded with a special chip. Smartphone manufacturer's, like Apple with the iPhone 4, have already started to include the special chip in new models.
Enabled devices through Verizon, AT&T, Sprint or T-Mobile will be able to participate in the alert system.
Federal Emergency Management Agency official W. Craig Fugate said: "This new technology could become a lifeline for millions of Americans and is another tool that will strengthen our nation's resilience against all hazards."
"Imagine, worry-free wiretapping! Big brother is here and he will even let you play games on his electronic handcuffs."
Although the system could be an effective tool to inform citizens about upcoming threats, not everyone is ready to embrace such a system.
In light of recent complaints against Google and Apple tracking mobile phone users locations, many will be hesitant to allow the government to track their location.
One such commenter on a CBS New York message board said: "There is no need to have any new software or chips on a phone to receive texts. They are attempting to do something else under the cover of ‘emergency messages.' I guarantee that this special chip and software has some form of location tracking and spyware on it.
"Imagine, worry-free wiretapping!" the commenter added. "Big brother is here and he will even let you play games on his electronic handcuffs."
- A customer living in one state would not receive a threat alert if they happen to be in another state when the alert is sent
Customers Already Signed Up
- Allows government officials to send emergency alerts to all subscribers with PLAN-capable devices
Alerts Are Free
- Customers do not pay to receive PLAN alerts
Cover Only Critical Emergency Alerts
- Alerts issued by the President
- Alerts involving imminent threats to safety of life
- Amber Alerts
Unique Signal and Vibration
- A PLAN alert will be accompanied by a unique attention signal and vibration
Another commenter echoed the same resentment, saying: "Where is my real government? You know the one that guarantees freedom? When did they become so powerful that they can require me to hear certain messages from them? This may be a good system for those that want it, but I do not like the intrusion into my life."
But others see it as a valuable instrument to help inform the general public.
One commenter sneered: "Yes, and those tornado alarms! Horrible! How dare the government require me to hear those sirens as the tornadoes form and head for my neighborhood! It should be my 'right' to be surprised and die by God's powerful finger!"
Although the comment was in jest, it highlighted the importance of having a warning system in place to protect individuals of impending threats.
Commenting on the progress of communication technology, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said: "Communications technology -- and in particular mobile broadband -- has the potential to revolutionize emergency response. Our communications networks need to be reliable and resilient in times of emergency. The FCC is working with carriers to ensure that they are."
Following the inception of the program in New York and Washington D.C., several states around the nation, including Utah, will gradually implement the system throughout 2012.
Once the system is in place, local government officials will have the capability to inform citizens of imminent threats, including fires, mudslides and floods.
Will you opt in to receive alerts when they're made available?
E-mail: jfurlong@ksl.com
Twitter: @JFurKSL
