True Corporation, DDPM, and NBTC Complete First Nationwide Cell Broadcast Emergency Alert Test

Brickinfo News Agency – True Corporation, in collaboration with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), has successfully conducted Thailand’s first nationwide test of the Cell Broadcast Service (CBS). The trial covered all 76 provinces and Bangkok, demonstrating the system’s ability to deliver real-time emergency alerts directly to mobile devices. In a new technical expansion, the test also integrated visual and audio warnings onto television screens via TrueID TV boxes, aiming to broaden the reach of critical safety information across various demographics.

The nationwide CBS test follows a series of localized trials that transitioned from building-level to provincial scales. According to the DDPM, the technology has already been utilized in actual scenarios, including flood responses in northern and southern Thailand, border security alerts, and air quality notifications regarding PM 2.5 levels. The system is designed to bypass traditional SMS limitations by broadcasting messages to all compatible devices within a specific area simultaneously, ensuring that emergency notifications are received even if a phone is set to silent or the screen is locked.

Mr. Teerapat Kutchamath, Director-General of the DDPM, stated that “The result of this national Cell Broadcast Service test has impressively met all objectives. We successfully disseminated information to target areas with real-time precision. This marks the conclusion of our relentless commitment to continuous development, scaling up from building-level to district, provincial, and now national tests. Having already deployed the system effectively during real-world incidents, the DDPM is now fully prepared to utilize this technology for all forms of disaster and emergency warnings.”

From the private sector perspective, the infrastructure has been deployed across 4G and 5G base stations nationwide. For users to receive these automated alerts, mobile devices must be updated to at least Android 11 or iOS 18. The service functions without requiring any additional application downloads, as the technology is embedded within the cellular network. The inclusion of the TrueID TV platform in this test marks an effort to ensure that individuals watching television are also notified of immediate threats through pop-up text and audio announcements.

Mr. Chakkrit Urairat, Chief Regulatory and Government Relations Officer of True Corporation Plc., noted that “The success of this test underscores the power of public-private synergy in integrating technology for public benefit. It represents a significant stride towards elevating Thailand’s warning systems to match international standards. For the first time, emergency alerts, delivered through both text and audio announcements, were enhanced to appear directly on television screens while customers were viewing content via TrueID TV boxes, significantly expanding access to critical information.”