April 4, 20251 yr From The Star BANGKOK: Apple has confirmed it will unlock its cell broadcast system in Thailand, enabling the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) to send emergency alerts directly to 50 million mobile phone users, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has announced. The move comes as part of a broader effort to enhance the nation's disaster warning capabilities. Trairat Viriyasirikul (pic), acting secretary-general and deputy secretary-general of the NBTC, revealed that Apple has responded positively to the DDPM’s request, pledging to complete the system activation within five days. SMS alerts will follow within two weeks. Cell broadcast, capable of sending 30 million messages per hour via 4G and 5G networks, will significantly bolster the country's emergency communication infrastructure. "SMS was never designed for disaster warnings," Trairat explained. "SMS was never designed for disaster warnings," Trairat explained.<br /> "It’s primarily a commercial tool. In the event of a disaster, like the recent earthquake, we need a more robust and immediate system. That's why we're implementing cell broadcast, alongside other measures." In addition to Apple's system activation, the NBTC is also expanding its LINE ALERT warning service, which currently reaches 200,000 users, and launching a dedicated National Disaster Warning Television Channel 1. A special hotline, 1531, has also been established for reporting earthquake-related building damage. https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2025/04/02/apple-to-unlock-cell-broadcast-for-thailand039s-disaster-warnings-national-broadcasting-and-telecommunications-commission-announces#goog_rewarded
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