True Corporation Public Company Limited (SET: TRUE) is ready to enable the nationwide Cell Broadcast Service (CBS) emergency alert system. The service now works on iPhones, following the rollout with Android devices using 4G and 5G networks without additional installation. This marks a significant step toward international safety standards, with True being the first to complete CBS installation across all base stations to support disaster warnings or incidents countrywide. The system is now fully operational for Thai citizens in both actual and virtual CBS scenarios.
Mr. Chakkrit Urairat, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, TRUE, said, “The major earthquakes in Thailand on March 28 and most recently on April 14 in Krabi province highlight the urgent need for an effective warning system in Thailand. As Thailand’s leading telecommunications and technology company, True Corporation is concerned and has expedited the installation of the Cell Broadcast Service system, emerging as the first operator to cover all signal towers across the country. Previously tested and available on Android phones using 4G and 5G, today we’re extending service to iPhones as well, through both actual and virtual Cell Broadcast systems. In the event of a disaster or emergency, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has the authority to immediately issue and coordinate emergency warnings to TrueMove H and dtac customers through this system.”
CBS System and Equipment Readiness
True Corporation’s Cell Broadcast Service (CBS) has been tested and fully supports both iPhone and Android devices adopting 4G and 5G technology, consumers of which can receive alert messages without additional application installations. For iPhone users, alert settings can now be configured through Settings > Notifications > Amber Alerts and Emergency Alerts. Alert messages will also display on Apple Watch screens when paired with the phone.
Mr. Chakkrit added, “True Corporation has tested the CBS system with iPhones and Android devices in simulated scenarios in the True Tower Ratchada building. Previously, we tested the CBS system with NBTC and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM). The system was promising, delivering alert messages rapidly, accurately, and to specifically designated areas. Alert messages will appear immediately on mobile screens of users in at-risk areas, which is more efficient than SMS messaging in terms of both speed and the ability to target specific areas for hazard warnings.”
Elevating Thailand’s Safety Standards to International Levels
The testing of the Cell Broadcast Service emergency alert system in collaboration with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) on iPhones and Android devices marks a significant advancement for Thailand toward establishing an international-standard warning systems, widely utilized in many countries worldwide including the United States, Japan, South Korea, and European Union countries.
The Cell Broadcast system is a highly efficient technology for hazard warnings as it can simultaneously send messages to numerous mobile devices in specific areas, unlike regular SMS messaging, ensuring people receive alerts during emergencies.
“The collaboration between True Corporation, NBTC, and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) represents an upgrade to Thailand’s safety infrastructure, which will enhance public safety, enabling timely responses to any emergency alerts,” said Mr. Chakkrit.
Structure of the Cell Broadcast Service System
For the Cell Broadcast Service system to work completely, two main components are required:
- CBC (Cell Broadcast Center) – operated by mobile service providers, which True Corporation has fully installed and is 100% ready to operate.
- CBE (Cell Broadcast Entity) – implemented by government agencies, namely the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), which has the authority to send alert messages in case of disasters or emergencies.
“True Corporation is committed to contributing to Thailand’s public safety, applying modern technology to support disaster warning and response. The development of Cell Broadcast Service demonstrates our strong commitment to improving the quality of life and safety for Thai people,” Mr. Chakkrit concluded.
