The government has said that the national system of sending emergency alert on mobile phones in Britain will be tested again.
This compatible phone will look at the vibration and create a siren sound for 10 seconds, showing a message on 15:00 BST on 7 September, even if they are set to remain silent.
Alert is intended to situations that have a imminent threat to life, such as during extreme weather events or a terrorist attack.
Although this system has been deployed regularly five times over the years, in the last nationwide test in 2023, technical issues have been detected – some people receive an alert before expecting and some are not getting it.
Many on three networks Nothing foundWhile some with users on other networks Many alerts receivedGovernment later said message Nearly 7% did not reach compatible equipment,
The cabinet office said at that time that open problems would be reviewed and addressed before another test.
It said that September test is to ensure that the system works well and to ensure that people are familiar with alert, in line with other countries that also use them like America and Japan.
Of about 87 million mobile phones in the UK, alert will appear on smartphones only on 4G or 5G networks. Old phones, and phones connected to 2G or 3G networks, will not receive messages.
Cabinet Office Minister Pat Macfeden said: “Like the fire alarm in your home, it is important that we test the system so that we can know that it will work if we need it.”
PA mediaThe system was used to send 4.5 million phones in Scotland and North Ireland in January 2025 during Hurricane Evin, and 3.5 million in England and Wales during the storm last month.
It was also used to assist the withdrawal of more than 10,000 residents in Plymouth. Deleted After being exposed.
Plymouth City Council CEO Trishi Lee said it was an “invaluable tool” and provides “clear information in a significant moment” to the residents.
While the devices that are not linked to mobile data or Wi-Fi will still receive an alert, which are switched to switch off or airplane mode.
Domestic misconduct charities had earlier warned that the system may potentially threaten the victims by alerting a hidden phone to a hidden phone. The National Center for Domestic Violence advised people with hidden phone to close them for the testing period.
The government emphasizes that emergency alert should be switched, but is Published a guide How to get out for domestic abuse victims.
The new test will also have a version of the message in the British Sign Language for deaf people.
