Cell Broadcast alerts
Cell Broadcast alerts will become part of Estonia’s national public warning system, EE-ALARM, in 2027. The technology uses mobile networks to deliver public warning alerts to large numbers of devices within seconds. In the event of an immediate threat, it can also trigger a warning sound and vibration, even when a phone is set to silent mode or Do Not Disturb.
Cell Broadcast will complement Estonia’s existing warning channels, including sirens, location-based SMS alerts, the Eesti app, the “Ole valmis!” app, and the channels of the national broadcaster ERR.
What is cell broadcast?
Cell Broadcast is a public warning technology already used in many countries. In the event of a serious threat, it enables supported devices to emit a loud, attention-grabbing warning tone and vibration.
Unlike SMS messages, Cell Broadcast alerts can be delivered within seconds to nearly all supported smartphones connected to 4G and 5G networks within the coverage area of selected mobile base stations. The alert is displayed directly on the device screen, overriding other applications and notifications to ensure it is immediately visible.
For higher-severity emergencies, alerts can also be accompanied by a warning tone, even if the device is set to silent mode.
Cell Broadcast alerts are delivered to all supported mobile devices connected to 4G or 5G networks and located within the affected area at the time the alert is issued. Alerts can be received by customers of Estonian mobile operators (Elisa, Tele2 and Telia) as well as by foreign mobile users roaming in Estonia, even when mobile networks are congested.
When will Cell Broadcast be introduced in Estonia?
Cell Broadcast is planned to be introduced as an EE-ALARM warning channel in spring 2027.
Unlike SMS alerts, cell broadcast requires the development of both alert delivery and alert reception capabilities, as well as extensive testing on Android and iOS devices. Technical testing is being carried out by Estonia’s mobile operators (Elisa, Tele2 and Telia) in cooperation with the Estonian State Infocommunication Foundation (RIKS) and the Estonian Rescue Services Agency during late 2026 and early 2027 to ensure the technology functions as intended.
The ability to receive cell broadcast alerts will become available to users gradually during the first months of 2027 through operating system updates. The Estonian Rescue Services Agency will inform the public when these updates become available.
To receive Cell Broadcast alerts, users will need to install the latest operating system updates on their devices. Once available, some alert categories may also be configurable through device settings.
Initially, not all devices may support the technology. However, as software updates become more widely available, the proportion of devices capable of receiving cell broadcast alerts will increase. Experience from other countries shows that coverage may reach around 70% of smartphones during the first months following launch and exceed 90% within approximately one year, depending on software update adoption and device compatibility.
Which devices will be able to receive Cell Broadcast alerts in the future?
Cell Broadcast alerts will work on smart devices connected to a 4G or 5G mobile network and running the required operating system updates.
In general, cell broadcast alerts can be received by:
- Modern Android devices (running Android 11 or later)
- Apple iPhones with an iOS version that includes support for Estonia’s cell broadcast service
- Certain smartwatches connected to a mobile network
What do I need to do to receive Cell Broadcast alerts?
To receive cell broadcast alerts:
- Your device must be connected to a 4G or 5G mobile network (devices in Flight Mode or switched off will not receive alerts)
- Your device must have the latest software version that supports Estonia’s cell broadcast service. The Estonian Rescue Service Agency will announce when the relevant software updates become available for download.
- Your device must support Cell Broadcast technology.
Which devices will not receive Cell Broadcast alerts?
In general, cell broadcast alerts cannot be received by devices that:
- Use only a 2G mobile network (with the exception of certain Android devices using 2G connectivity that are capable of receiving operating system updates)
- Do not support Cell Broadcast technology, meaning they cannot receive the required operating system updates
- Have not been updated to the software version required by the device manufacturer
Detailed device and operating system requirements will be published once the joint testing programme involving Estonia’s mobile operators, Google and Apple has been completed.
