Category: mobileactive

Trinidad and Tobago To Get Emergency SMS System

January 22, 2010 by Taran Rampersad

I had written previously about the need for Trinidad and Tobago and other nations to have an emergency SMS system in place prior to a disaster. I tweeted it, I tossed it all over Facebook, and I spread the word otherwise as did others. Effectively or ineffectively, I don't know.

On the heels of that, the Trinidad and Tobago Express reports that TSTT is implementing such a system:

...To better be able to cope with disasters, Robinson, said citizens needed to be informed of crisis situations as soon as possible. An SMS texting trial with local telecommunications provider, TSTT, will be unfolded next month, Robinson said. A major project to develop a Wide Area Alert Network (WAAN) is also in the progress of being implemented, he said...

Edmund was nice enough to point the article out to me on Facebook,and he asked ' Have they been working independently or do you think they heard your call and learnt from Haiti 4636?'

I don't know. And really - I don't think it matters... as long as it gets implemented and is usable. Kudos if they get it up before a national disaster. Well, other than continued parliamentary disaster...

So let's wait and see. Personally - I'm happy, but I'm waiting for the actual implementation before I celebrate.