The Czech government is considering the creation of a modern emergency alert system for the population in crisis situations.
The new emergency alert system, called Cell Broadcast, will cost the state approximately 100 million Czech koruna (around 4 million euros). Mobile network operators are expected to invest about 135 million Czech koruna (5.4 million euros), including VAT. Annual operating costs are estimated at 51 million koruna (approximately 2 million euros).
The government became concerned about implementing a more advanced alert system using mobile phones after the tragedy at Prague’s Charles University on December 21, 2023. During a shooting carried out by a student, 14 students and faculty members from the Faculty of Arts were killed; the attacker took his own life. The shooting became the deadliest mass murder in the country’s modern history.
Another reason for adopting the Cell Broadcast system was an analysis of the situation during last year’s floods, which exposed shortcomings in the current alert method. At that time, text messages reached recipients with a delay of several dozen minutes.
It was also reported that the Czech Ministry of the Interior will publish a brochure this year, modeled after Finland’s example, offering advice on how to act during a crisis and how to prepare for one.
