Comments on: Sri Lanka: Dialog assists Disaster Management

By: Ricardo Saraiva

Ricardo Saraiva — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:43:01 +0000

Blog Cell Broadcast : http://cell-broadcast.blogs.sapo.pt/

By: Sameera Wijerathna

Sameera Wijerathna — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 08:32:39 +0000

.
Hi Natasha

Yes, Channel 50 is not with sound currently, but will be with sound in the near future.

The number of characters it supports is not really a limitation, because even if CB supports 1000 characters, our normal phones will not be able show it properly, also it will not be readable.

Sameera.
.

By: Natasha Udu-Gama

Natasha Udu-Gama — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 15:57:52 +0000

Last I heard, Channel 50 will not sound any alarms. Has this issue (along with the character limitation on that channel) been solved? If it is to be broadcast on Channel 50 to the “general public” as Sameera mentions above, can mobile users opt out or opt-in at their discretion? When might CB (with trilingual output) have its own dedicated channel(s) in Sri Lanka that is standard across all networks (not just Dialog)?

Congrats to Dialog and MicroImage on this incredible step forward!

By: Sameera Wijerathna

Sameera Wijerathna — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 13:12:12 +0000

.
Hi

another Blog on Disaster Emergency Warning Network (DEWN)

http://ict4d-in-srilanka.blogspot.com/2009/02/disaster-emergency-warning-network-dewn.html

Sameera.
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By: Sameera Wijerathna

Sameera Wijerathna — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 05:35:41 +0000

Hi Chanuka

Following is how the Disaster Management Centre Disseminate the Early Warning information to the citizen of Sri Lanka through Disaster Emergency Warning Network (DEWN).

SMS -> District Coordinators of the DMC (25 Districts)

SMS -> Members in the Key Contact Database (heads of different institutions such as schools, hospitals, police stations, etc.)

SMS -> To the DEWN alarm devices which are located at the community centers

Cell Broadcast -> to the General Public (DEWN Alarm device too supports CB)

Sameera
http://ict4d-in-srilanka.blogspot.com/

By: Absent

Absent — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 04:00:55 +0000

This article says Cell Braod casting is available only on Dialog.

“Cell Broadcast is currently available only on the Dialog GSM network”

This is wrong. The other operators also have this facility. I used to receive greatings during New year, Cristmas ect through this channel…

By: Nuwan

Nuwan — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 07:11:15 +0000

In the HazInfo RAD was chosen as a model for its wake up function with loudest siren noise and mega flashing light. Hopefully with 3GPP the data speeds will be fast for future units to supply a nomadic internet feed as well, unless it already does. However, the last-mile problem is still unanswered?

By: Harsha Purasinghe

Harsha Purasinghe — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 15:45:04 +0000

Thanks Chanuka for a blog post on the official DEWN launch. The system which was deployed with DMC is CB enabled where they can do a CB message any time. However, at present the message will be targeted to Home Zone on channel 50. In future once we sort out few technical matters with the CBC we will enable the designated local channel, where phone ringer could be triggered as specified.

When it comes to the DEWN-Alarm box it’s designed to be triggered even on channel 50, where the device will activate the laudable Alarm apart from displaying trilingual message on the display.

Will keep you posted on more developments. However the good news is that DMC now have access to alert mobile phones via multiple sources + triggering alarm devices which will be deployed to relevant points.

By: Chanuka Wattegama

Chanuka Wattegama — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 15:22:43 +0000

I was there but don’t remember anybody saying this works on Cell Broadcasting, as reported. Will be grateful if Harsha Purasinghe of Microimage clarifies the technology.