Science & Space
SACHET and Cell Broadcast: disaster alerts on every phone
In April 2026 DoT and NDMA began pan-India tests of C-DOT's Cell Broadcast disaster alerts, alongside the SACHET system.
In April 2026 the Department of Telecommunications and the National Disaster Management Authority began pan-India testing of an indigenous Cell Broadcast system for disaster alerts, built by C-DOT. Cell Broadcast sends an alert to every phone in a defined area at the same moment, which matters for tsunamis, earthquakes, lightning and gas leaks.
It adds to SACHET, the Integrated Alert System also built by C-DOT, which runs in all 36 states and union territories on the ITU's Common Alerting Protocol and has sent over 134 billion geo-targeted SMS alerts in more than 19 languages.
Test yourself
Question 1
Which organisation developed India's indigenous Cell Broadcast disaster-alert system tested in April 2026?
- AISRO
- BDRDO
- CBSNL
- DC-DOT
Show the answer and explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the Department of Telecommunications' R&D centre, built it.
C-DOT also built SACHET, the SMS-based alert system.
- Concept
- Cell Broadcast alerts
- Typical time
- 40 seconds
- Written from
- pib.gov.in
Question 2
What does Cell Broadcast do that SMS alerts do not?
- AWorks only on smartphones with an app
- BSends alerts only in English
- CReaches every phone in an area at the same moment
- DCharges the user per message
Show the answer and explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Cell Broadcast transmits to all devices in a defined area simultaneously, giving near real-time delivery.
SMS goes number by number, which is slower when every second counts, as in a tsunami.
- Concept
- Cell Broadcast versus SMS
- Typical time
- 50 seconds
- Written from
- pib.gov.in
Question 3
On which standard is SACHET, India's Integrated Alert System, based?
- AThe Global Positioning System
- BThe Common Alerting Protocol recommended by the ITU
- CThe NavIC messaging service alone
- DThe WMO's Global Telecommunication System
Show the answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
SACHET is built on the Common Alerting Protocol, which the International Telecommunication Union recommends.
It runs in all 36 states and union territories and has sent over 134 billion alerts.
- Concept
- SACHET's standard
- Typical time
- 65 seconds
- Written from
- pib.gov.in