India has started nationwide testing of a new Cell Broadcast-based public alert system to strengthen disaster response and emergency communication. The initiative, led by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), is aimed at delivering real-time warnings directly to mobile users during natural and man-made emergencies.
Developed by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the system uses mobile towers to broadcast alerts to all phones within a defined geographical area. Unlike traditional SMS alerts, which often face delays during high network traffic, Cell Broadcast messages reach all devices instantly, even when mobile networks are congested.
The new system builds on the foundation of SACHET, India’s SMS-based emergency alert platform, which has been in operation across all states and union territories. While SACHET has delivered billions of geo-targeted messages since its launch, limitations such as delivery delays and the inability to simultaneously reach all types of mobile phones led to the development of the Cell Broadcast system.
Cell Broadcast alerts offer broader reach and faster delivery, working across both smartphones and basic phones, without the need for phone numbers or internet access. The system also supports multiple Indian languages and delivers alerts in real time, making it a vital tool for reaching communities in remote or high-risk areas.
The national testing phase will continue for a few weeks, during which users may receive test alerts on their mobile phones. These test messages are being sent to assess system readiness and will not require any action from recipients. They are being broadcast from mobile towers across the country and may appear more than once on users’ devices.
Once fully rolled out, the Cell Broadcast alert system will serve as India’s frontline communication tool during emergencies such as earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, industrial accidents, and terror threats. It is designed to ensure that critical information reaches the public quickly and efficiently, helping authorities guide evacuations, issue safety instructions, and manage crisis response with greater precision.
This move represents a significant step forward in India’s disaster preparedness strategy, aligning with national goals to build resilient infrastructure and enhance public safety through digital innovation. The adoption of Cell Broadcast technology brings India in line with global practices already in place in countries like the United States, Japan, and several EU nations, where such systems are standard in public warning frameworks.
As testing progresses, the government has urged the public to cooperate and understand that the alerts currently being received are only part of system calibration. The successful implementation of this system is expected to make India’s emergency communication network more robust, reliable, and inclusive, ensuring faster responses in times of crisis.