German emergency warning system via mobile is ready for use

Germany’s new mobile phone-based warning system is available across the country, according to the three network operators.

Vodaphone announced on Thursday that it had implemented the technology in all 26,500 mobile phone base stations. Deutsche Telekom and Telefónica – through its O2 brand – also reported the preparations had been completed.

Alerts are sent through the system to all compatible devices that are booked into a radio cell – hence the name of the system “Cell Broadcast.” Warnings of a major fire or flood, for example, would prompt mobile phones to ring loudly. There was a nationwide test of the alarm system in December.

The introduction of the system was prompted by the floods in western Germany in the summer of 2021 which killed more than 180 people. Cell Broadcast has long been used in other EU countries as a supplement to other warning methods, for example radio announcements or sirens.

No app needs to be installed, but the technology will not reach everyone. An estimated 4% of German citizens do not have a mobile phone at all, and Vodafone estimates that around a quarter of the mobiles in use in Germany are not technically capable of linking to the network.

When a warning is broadcast a compatible mobile phone will ring loudly even when it is switched to mute, though it will not sound if the device is in flight mode.

The network operators were obliged to enable cell broadcasting everywhere in Germany by Thursday, which they say they have managed to do. They will be reimbursed by the state for the costs of operating the system.