Quick and effective emergency warning technology
Cell Broadcast (CB) is a type of regional broadcasting that allows telecommunication companies to use one-to-many models to send messages to all mobile telecommunication clients within the area of the specified base station in a short time. CB can be deployed in a majority of telecommunication networks, including GSM, CDMA, UMTS (3G), and LTE (4G). Also, since CB uses an exclusive network signal platform, voice and data services could be segmented accordingly so that it would not be affected by network congestion, making it an ideal technology for delivering emergency warnings.
Functions
CBS includes a Cell Broadcast Center (CBC) most commonly established within the network system of the telecommunication service provider. The CBC would form a Cell Broadcast Entity (CBE) with one or more CB content providers, and operates according to the process described in the following:
- The CBE is equipped with different platform categories that range from a simple front-end user interface to a comprehensive service application.
- CBE allows CB content providers to generate broadcasting messages to select one or more target areas. The broadcasting message could then be transferred to the CBC which is then responsible for delivering the contents to the target area and projected to the base station of the mobile communication network.
- The CBC will then deliver the contents to the wireless network access devices that need to receive these information. The CBC thus manages data broadcasting of the base station within the targeted area.
- The CBC is able to connect to the Base Station Controller (BSC) and Radio Network Controller (RNC) or Mobile Switching Center (MSC) according to the network operation standards adopted by the mobile communication service provider. This equipment setup is responsible for delivering broadcasting messages to the base station within the targeted broadcasting recipient area specified by the content providers.
Features
- The broadcaster would not know who the target recipients are. CB is also anonymous. Hence, pre-registration would not be required of mobile service clients.
- CB allows messages to be delivered to millions of users in their specified language and in a near-instantaneous fashion according to their location. Messages can also be delivered to foreign visitors using roaming services. CB is also unaffected by network congestion.
- IISI is now entering the era of 4G LTE networks, allowing text-based broadcasting services to be transformed to Multimedia Broadcasting, letting service providers deliver and stream videos, sound, pictures, and other files.
Benefits
- Conventional alarms and TV broadcasting are no longer sufficient in ensuring public safety. Given the ubiquitous nature of handheld devices, CBS has become the ideal and modern emergency alarm notification channel, helping to ensure that a majority of the general public would be able to receive early warnings as needed.
- Mobile communication service providers could utilize the unique features of CB and achieve real-time non-interfering message transmission or delivery of innovative services. Dynamic pricing models can also help service providers optimize utilization of current network resources.
Applicable Sectors
- During emergencies, government and disaster rescue agencies could use the system to broadcast information on hazards and dangers to the general public so that they may adopt suitable protective measures.
- Mobile communication service providers can broadcast contents generated for users and user groups associated with a target location. There is no need to install expensive location-based services within the network.
- Businesses can use the system to directly deliver advertising and services to their target customers.
- Mobile communication service providers can use CB and based on the network utilization of users in the target area in a given time of the day, inform the users of their network usage expenses and offer dynamic pricing plans.