The Joint Committee on Communications, Energy & Natural Resources have published a report that looks at the potential for SMS to be used to communicate with the public in the event of an emergency.
Launched last week it I had to make a check on the date as it reads like something from 2005 – Click here to download it (Word Document 4.6 MB).
Things I found interesting:
> Despite the fact that local libraries across the country have adopted SMS communications, it seems like this is the first time that the concept of using SMS in an emergency has been considered by the Irish government as there is no reference to previous trials/reports.
> Somewhat ignorant of the viral effects of SMS the report seems to be looking to promote further detailed studies and testing with a focus on “throughput” and “time to deliver for a message to each mobile phone in the country”.
> The report seems fixated on the need for cell broadcast SMS above (and to the exclusion of) all else eg. in conclusion the report suggests that the “mobile networks in Ireland cannot support SMS as a solution to this issue however this should be reviewed at some stage in the future when cell broadcast becomes available”
Any proficient telecommunications engineer will tell you that cell broadcast isn’t always preferable as whilst technically elegant it ignores the benefits of being able to “opt in” to another location eg. a cell broadcast solution would fail to reach those who may not be in the geographical locality of their elderly mother (who may be without SMS access), their childrens school or their business.
> Instead of learning from other more advanced mobile markets the report seems to be trying to propose the need for “a more in-depth study… …undertaken in conjunction with the mobile service providers to identify the number of messages that could be delivered in a given period” and “a study by a market research agency to determine the level of interest within the public”
With so little awareness of the public safety issues I wonder why they are so interested in public opinion on this? Surely the Garda, Emergency Services, HSE, Irish Medical Organisation, National Poisons Information Centre, etc, etc, would have more contribution to make?
> Where are the experts and people with experience? Sadly the only “Relevant Project” the report refers to include a CNN Story from the USA (a backwater when it comes to mobile services and customer experience) and the Australian Early Warning Network (a robust warning service that is studiously ignored by the Australian authorities who so dearly need it). Why not recognise the considerable telecommunication talent in Ireland? For an example consider companies like VoxPro in Cork who have been in the emergency telecommunications business for 20+ years.
> The report seems moribund by the limitations of SMS rather than the opportunity eg. in the conclusion it states “A
single text message is restricted to 160 characters which limits the level of detail that can be communicated. Therefore an
SMS should only be used to direct the public to the traditional channels of television and radio for further information and a
more comprehensive status update”.
And rather than just doing or designing something the report seems fixated on the need for a public education campaign eg. “Any system to be deployed would need to be augmented by a public education campaign”
Surely the horrific experience in Cumbria with the shotgun wielding Derek Bird has taught us that even 160 characters can be enough, for example:
From: 999
Message: Police are hunting a lone gunman in Cumbria please stay safe inside until further notice. For further information freecall 01999 or visit HomeOffice.mobi”
Imagine the benefits if this had been circulated by police stations in the area to locals/local businesses?
Claiming that “It should be noted that one of the clear findings of this report is that an SMS notification services can only work in conjunction with alternative channels such as radio and television which can deliver a more comprehensive message and set of instructions due to the size limitations of a text message.
Really? Surely this Police Emergency example (together with a regularly updated recorded message) would work for 99% of recipients and the rest could be notified in a short space of time by the inevitable calls/texts from friends/family/loved ones.
> “Opportunity cost should always be a key consideration when evaluating and deciding on where investment in any area must be made and given the range of alternatives offered by the broadcast media of television and radio for example strong consideration must be given to investment in these areas also”.
Why don’t they start by registering the mobiles of public officials eg. Garda, GPs, Practice Managers, Hospital CEOs etc?