The Government has engaged local mobile network operators ("MNOs") to set up an emergency alert system (“EAS”) for dissemination of time-critical public announcements and messages ("EAS messages") via mobile networks to mobile service users during emergency situations like extreme weather, serious public safety and health incidents and more to facilitate the public to adopt contingency measures quickly.
EAS uses cell broadcast service technology to disseminate EAS messages. Mobile service users can receive EAS messages via compatible mobile devices connected to local mobile networks.
Only mobile devices that support cell broadcast service technology with the cell broadcast feature enabled on the devices can receive EAS messages. Please see a list of the brands and models of mobile devices that support cell broadcast service technology, as well as the corresponding software versions of these devices that enable the cell broadcast feature.
The list will be updated from time to time by the Office of the Communications Authority following mobile device suppliers' / manufacturers' launch of new models of mobile devices that support reception of EAS messages, or release of software updates for older models that enable the cell broadcast feature.
If the model of the mobile device that you are using does not appear on the list, or if you have any questions in relation to checking or updating the software version of your mobile device, please contact your mobile service provider or the relevant mobile device supplier / manufacturer for assistance.
Mobile devices enabled to receive EAS messages will generate an audio alarm signal together with vibration for about ten seconds to alert users of reception of an EAS message. Notification will also pop up on the screen.
There are two alert levels for EAS messages, namely "Extreme Emergency Alert" and "Emergency Alert". Government Bureau or Department that disseminates the EAS message will designate the alert level according to the urgency or severity of the circumstances in question.
Sending of EAS messages does not involve personal data, and the receipt of EAS messages does not involve additional charges. If you receive an EAS message and have questions about its content, please contact the Government Bureau or Department that disseminates the message, or visit its official website or social media platforms for more information.