The introduction of cell broadcast technology in Latvia is planned in 2025. The new system will be developed on the basis of the existing mobile operator infrastructure, which will accommodate the notification hardware that will receive a signal from the central hub when it is necessary to transmit the notification. System quality control and security audit will be carried out on a provisional basis before the introduction of the cellular broadcast system in a planned operations.
Is intendent that notifications can be received on mobile phones operating across all generations of the mobile network (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G (NSA)). It is important that mobile phones receive notifications regardless of their subscription (no SIM card is required) if they are located in the broadcasting area of mobile communications networks, including those of tourists, guest workers, students and other groups of society visiting Latvia. When the technology is launched, the public will be informed about compatible mobile phones.
On mobile phones will display early warning notifications in a special format with a different sound tone, however they will not be able to be modified or transferred to other phones. These notifications will be different from traditional text messages (SMS), e-mails, and social network messages because they are built in as a separate functionality. After the introduction of the technology in Latvia, examples of notifications will be published and additional information about their recognition will be provided, as well as a promotion campaign will be organised.
The total budget of the project is planned at EUR 3.2 million, of which EUR 2.7 million will be provided by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), while the remaining EUR 500 thousand will be provided by State funding.