Estonia tests cell broadcast alerts ahead of 2027 rollout

Estonia has begun technical testing of cell broadcast alerts, and some Android users may receive test messages, the public broadcaster ERR reports.

The Rescue Board and mobile operators Elisa, Tele2 and Telia are testing the technology with the State Communications Foundation, known as RIKS. The tests are intended to verify that the system works correctly and can send and receive alerts on iOS and Android devices.

Cell broadcast is scheduled to become an emergency alert channel in Estonia in spring 2027. It can deliver alerts within seconds to large numbers of people in a danger zone, including when the mobile network is overloaded with ordinary calls and messages.

Unlike an SMS or app notification, a cell broadcast alert appears directly on the phone screen, over other notifications and apps. Depending on the danger, it may also trigger a loud sound and vibration, even if the phone is muted or in do not disturb mode.

The system will work on 4G- and 5G-capable iOS and Android smartphones, provided their software is up to date. RIKS project manager Antti Turmann said experience in other countries suggests alerts initially reach about 70 percent of smart devices, rising to more than 90 percent within roughly a year. Coverage depends on software update schedules and whether users update their devices.

The Rescue Board will announce when the updates are available. After technical testing is complete, larger-scale tests are planned next year in a limited area. Cell broadcast will complement, rather than replace, Estonia’s existing EE-ALARM alert channels. The authority responding to an incident, such as the Rescue Board, Police and Border Guard Board or Defence Forces, will decide which channels to use.

Test messages in Estonian, English and Russian state that they are technical tests and there is no danger. Further information and feedback are available at kriis.ee/cb.