PLAN will initially launch in New York today with a joint announcement from FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and FEMA administrator W. Craig Fulgate, to be followed by a rollout in Washington DC. AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon have all signed on to the idea, with a full list of carriers to be made available on the FCC's website.
Genachowski explains why PLAN is necessary:
The traditional alerts on radio and TV are still important, and they will continue, but more and more, mobile devices are becoming essential. You have them with you. In the event of a major disaster, government authorities can get lifesaving information to you quickly... Think about the South a couple of weeks ago. [You could alert] a particular local community that the tornado's path has changed: 'It's coming to your community. Evacuate.' Or, 'The tornado is much stronger than previously anticipated. Take action.' It's very important.
Users will be able to opt out of receiving alerts (other than presidential ones) if they so wish.
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