Sprint Commits to Nationwide Emergency Alert System by 2011

Strategic Insights -

Sprint, the first US carrier to test the Personal Localized Alerting Network (PLAN) system, has joined forces with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator W. Craig Fugate to deploy a nationwide emergency alert system by the end of 2011. This system, also known as the Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS), will enable emergency management officials to rapidly disseminate warnings and safety information to wireless phones based on their specified locations. Sprint's pilot program has already shown promising results, with the company successfully testing the PLAN system in California in 2010.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sprint is the first US carrier to test the Personal Localized Alerting Network (PLAN) system, with a successful trial in California in 2010.
  • The PLAN system will enable emergency management officials to disseminate warnings and safety information to wireless phones based on their specified locations.
  • Sprint has committed to supporting the public's safety by deploying the PLAN system nationwide by the end of 2011.
  • The company has partnered with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator W. Craig Fugate to deploy the system.
  • Sprint's pilot program has shown promising results, with the company testing the PLAN technology across urban, suburban, and rural areas, and involving law enforcement agencies, local jurisdictions, and other regional partners.
  • Sprint currently has two PLAN-compatible mobile phones available, the Sanyo Innuendo by Kyocera and the Sanyo Vero by Kyocera, and plans to launch more PLAN-capable mobile devices later this year.
  • The company will include PLAN technology in all new Sprint phones by the end of 2011.
  • Sprint brings a wealth of experience in public safety and crisis communications to the PLAN program, including providing relief efforts following natural disasters and deploying portable generators and increasing network capacity during emergencies.

Statistics:

  • 2010: Sprint became the first national wireless carrier to successfully test and trial the PLAN system.
  • October-November 2010: Sprint successfully tested the PLAN technology across urban, suburban, and rural areas, involving law enforcement agencies, local jurisdictions, and other regional partners.
  • 2011: Sprint committed to deploying the PLAN system nationwide by the end of the year.
  • End of 2011: Sprint plans to launch more PLAN-capable mobile devices and include PLAN technology in all new Sprint phones.
  • April 2011: Sprint provided immediate wireless recovery, infrastructure, and devices to aid with relief efforts following storms and tornadoes that ravaged the southern United States.
  • 2011: Sprint deployed portable generators and increased network capacity along key highways and evacuation routes in southern California during the 2009 Station Fire.
  • 2009: Sprint enhanced network capacity and coverage in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area to support residents, visitors, and law enforcement officials at the Presidential Inauguration.

Sources:

  • "Karachi: Sprint president of Network Operations and Wholesale Steve Elfman joins federal officials in committing to nationwide emergency alert system," [No date] (note: the original article does not include a publication date)
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
  • Federal Communications Commission (FCC)