OXFORD, United Kingdom—In the event of a terror attack on London, the government said it is planning to swamp cell-phone users with short message services (SMSs) in the style of a high-tech air raid warning. According to a civil servant, the technology exists to allow text messages to be sent to all cell phones in a given area, with up-to-date details and guidance on the specific threat and how to escape it.
A government minister said the government had decided against sending leaflets to Londoners explaining what to do if terrorists strike, given the range of attacks is so big that any leaflet risked being over complex and confusing or misleading. Instead, a special team was formed to develop a sophisticated text messaging system to contact business leaders in the event of an 11 September, 2001-style terror attack on London to ensure they know what they should do.
Separately, U.K. television broadcaster BBC is promoting the use of its SMS platform by other broadcasters, media owners and agencies to enable them to integrate high-throughput SMS applications with programming. Although intended for use with voting, competitions and audience interaction shows, its use could also be applied to national emergency alerts.
The government stated it would look to use other forms of media to keep the public informed, although it has not explicitly stated that it would use the SMS–television route.
For information on a similar SMS use in Hong Kong, see SMS quells rumor of citywide quarantine in Hong Kong.
