Holland Moves In The Right Direction for Disaster Communication

It looks like the Dutch have the idea when it comes to SMS - at least part of it. According to the article, 'Dutch trial SMS disaster alert system;

The Dutch government is testing a mobile phone danger alert system that sends text messages to people who could be affected by natural disasters or terrorist attacks.

The system, called Cell Broadcast, uses GSM technology to identify cell phone users in a particular area.

If a disaster occurs, a message is sent to all phones in the area, warning of the danger.

Interior ministry spokesman Frank van Beers told CNN that if successful, the two-year pilot would become common policy throughout the country...

Well, it's a start. Broadcast SMS is not new - it's used for all sorts of things. I am somewhat disappointed that (no matter how many times I write about it), someone in one of these governments hasn't decided to add an SMS capability to 911 or create an equivalent (I suggested SMS, or 767). It seems to escape people that in a disaster, communication should include the people on the ground.

In other words, communication should be 2 Way. And this system isn't. But at least it's a step in the right direction... maybe.

Image at top courtesy Digiteyesed.com.