A program to create a nationwide alert system using cell phones and other mobile devices was approved Thursday by the Federal Communications Commission.
The system would send text messages to Americans when an emergency occurs.
The FCC said cell phone companies that voluntarily opt into the system would send text-based alert messages to subscribers in response to three types of events:
* A disaster that could jeopardize the health and safety of Americans, such as a terrorist attack; these would trigger a national alert from the president of the United States
* Imminent or ongoing threats such as hurricanes, tornadoes or earthquakes
* Child abductions or Amber alerts.
T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint Nextel and AT&T all stated that they would be likely to opt into the alert system if it is passed by the FCC.
via [CNN]
