EE-ALARM’s new public warning capability moves into testing phase

The developments required to introduce Cell Broadcast, a mobile network-based public warning technology, have now entered the testing phase. During testing, technical test messages may be received by some Android device users.

Unlike SMS alerts, Cell Broadcast requires both the development of the capability to send and receive alerts, as well as testing to ensure the technology functions correctly on iOS and Android devices. Over the coming months, Estonia’s mobile network operators (Elisa, Tele2 and Telia) will conduct technical testing together with the Estonian State Information and Communications Foundation (RIKS) to ensure the solution functions as intended. Smartphone operating systems are developed by Google (Android) and Apple (iOS).

“Testing is a necessary step in the deployment of this new technology. Only after successful testing will the required software be incorporated into Google’s and Apple’s operating system updates, enabling mobile phones and other smart devices to receive public warning alerts configured for Estonia,” said Viktor Saaremets, Deputy Director General of the Rescue Board.

Cell Broadcast public warning alerts are planned to become operational in Estonia in spring 2027. The technology makes it possible to reach a very large number of people within seconds, even when mobile networks are overloaded by regular calls and text messages.

Cell Broadcast alerts do not look or behave like ordinary text messages or app notifications. Instead, they are displayed directly on the device screen, appearing over other notifications and applications. Depending on the nature of the threat, alerts may be accompanied by a loud warning tone and vibration, even when the device is set to silent mode or Do Not Disturb. The objective is to ensure that alerts are noticed as quickly as possible.

EE-ALARM Cell Broadcast alerts will work on 4G- and 5G-capable iOS and Android smartphones, provided that the device software has been updated.

“Experience from other countries shows that during the first months after the introduction of a new technology, public warning alerts typically reach around 70% of smart devices. Within approximately a year, coverage increases to more than 90%, depending on the rollout schedules of Google and Apple updates and on users’ willingness to keep their devices up to date,” said Antti Turmann, Cell Broadcast Project Manager at RIKS. The Estonian Rescue Services Agency will inform the public when the required software updates become available to users.

Mobile network-based Cell Broadcast public warning alerts will not replace the existing EE-ALARM alerting channels but will serve as a significant enhancement to the overall system. Decisions on whether to activate public warning system, and which alerting channels to use, will be made by the authority responsible for managing the incident, depending on its severity (for example, the Rescue Service, the Police and Border Guard Board, the Defence Forces, and others).

Following the completion of the technical testing phase, larger-scale trials in a limited geographical area are planned for next year.

Technical test-messages:

Estonian
EE-ALARM
TEST! TEST! TEST!
This is a technical Cell Broadcast test message. There is no danger. Information and feedback: kriis.ee/cb

English
EE-ALARM
TEST! TEST! TEST!
You have received a Cell Broadcast technical test message. There is no danger. More information and feedback: kriis.ee/cb

Russian
EE-ALARM
ТЕСТ! ТЕСТ! ТЕСТ! Вы получили технический тест мгновенного оповещения. Опасности нет. Больше информации и обратная связь: kriis.ee/cb

The Cell Broadcast public warning technology is being developed by the Estonian Rescue Services Agency in cooperation with RIKS. Key project partners include mobile operators Telia, Elisa and Tele2, the technology platform provider One2Many Norway AS, operating system developers Google and Apple, and the Ministry of the Interior’s Information Technology and Development Centre (SMIT).

Further information is available at olevalmis.ee.