First tests with NL-Alert have started in Zoetermeer

Press release | 04-08-2011

The first technical tests of NL-Alert have started in Zoetermeer. NL-Alert is a new citizen alarm, information and alert system created by the government that makes use of mobile telephone networks.

The tests will run until 22 August. A number of text messages will be sent across the NL-Alert test channel in the coming days. It is expected that the inhabitants of Zoetermeer will not experience any or at most very limited nuisance from these tests, because mobile phones are not set to this test channel. During this test phase, a message is sent with the following text: "Test message from the Government. You do not have to take any action. For more information: www.nl-alert.nl.”

If the tests go well, NL-Alert will be introduced in the rest of the Netherlands. Planning therefore depends on the test results. NL-Alert messages are intended to inform citizens as effectively as possible during a disaster or crisis. All mobile phones in the relevant area will receive these messages automatically, provided the telephone is on, the NL-Alert channel is set and the telephone has a network connection. The messages are not Short Message Service messages, but so-called cell broadcast messages. They are sent via the transmitter masts of the mobile telephone providers. Registering for NL-Alert is not necessary and the service is free of charge.

NL-Alerts messages are received on mobile phones and contain information concerning the nature and seriousness of a calamity, any personal risks and what can be done to get to safety. Incidentally, NL-Alert will not replace the siren network. The current siren network will be operational at least until 2017.

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