It is the core of the Cell Broadcast System and acts as a server for all CBE clients. It is responsible for the administration of all SMS-CB messages it receives from the CBEs and realizes the communication towards the GSM network. The GSM network itself takes care of delivering the SMS-CB messages to the mobile terminals.
Published in Chapter:
Cell Broadcasting Opportunities of Modern Mobile Communications and Its Usage in Emergency Warning Facilities
Ioannis P. Chochliouros (Hellenic Telecommunications Organization S.A. (OTE), Greece), Anastasia S. Spiliopoulou (Hellenic Telecommunications Organization S.A. (OTE), Greece), George Agapiou (Hellenic Telecommunications Organization S.A. (OTE), Greece), and Nikolaos Lazaridis M.D. Ph.D (Hellenic Telecommunications Organization S.A. (OTE), Greece)
Copyright: © 2009
|Pages: 13
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-60566-156-8.ch035
Abstract
In the scope of the present chapter, the authors evaluate several potential opportunities from the suggested use of cell broadcasting systems in mobile communications and its specific usage mainly in emergency warning facilities, at the global level. Cell Broadcasting (CB) is a cellular-based public notification system, existing in the vast majority of all modern mobile infrastructures, worldwide. It can instantly (within a brief timeframe of some seconds) broadcast a cell phone text alert or message to a large number of people (independently of their network operators) specific to a geographical area, covered either by a single cell or by the entire (regional or national) network. Thus, CB technology enables governmental and other appropriate authorities/entities to securely transmit emergency alerts of natural or manmade disasters to the cellular phones of the subscribers in specific areas. Simultaneously, it can offer multiple extra advantages for further market offerings and development. This chapter discusses the challenge imposed by the fast development of the corresponding cellular facilities and, after providing some fundamental technical informative background, it focuses on the advantages offered due to CB with an overview of the current European and international market. The chapter then analyzes options for further evolution in several sectors (political issues, technical matters, and regulatory perspectives). CB is a strong, viable, and immediate communications solution, which can be put in place to better alert citizens.