The suspension follows an advisory from the National Disaster Management Authority, with officials saying the move is precautionary and temporary.
The Centre has temporarily suspended the Cell Broadcast (CB) service following an advisory issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), officials said on Saturday.
Authorities described the move as a precautionary measure and clarified that the suspension will remain in place until further notice. The Cell Broadcast system serves as a key public warning platform, enabling authorities to send emergency alerts and disaster-related information directly to mobile users in affected areas.
While officials have not disclosed the specific reasons behind the suspension, they indicated that technical and procedural reviews may be underway in coordination with relevant agencies.
The Cell Broadcast service is designed to deliver real-time alerts during natural disasters, security emergencies and other critical situations. Unlike traditional messaging systems, it allows authorities to reach large numbers of users simultaneously without relying on internet connectivity.
Officials said updates regarding the restoration of the service will be communicated after further directions from the NDMA. The suspension is expected to be temporary while authorities assess the system’s functionality and operational protocols.
Launched nationwide in May
The Government of India launched the nationwide Cell Broadcast System (CBS) in May as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s disaster warning and emergency communication infrastructure.
The system was inaugurated by Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, who described it as a major shift from a reactive disaster response model to a proactive warning mechanism aimed at protecting citizens through timely alerts.
Developed indigenously by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) under the Department of Telecommunications, the system was created in collaboration with the NDMA and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
How the system works
The Cell Broadcast System enables authorities to send geo-targeted emergency alerts to mobile users in specific locations almost instantly. The technology was introduced to overcome the limitations of conventional SMS alerts, which can face delays during periods of network congestion.
Officials said the platform is capable of functioning even under heavy network load, making it particularly useful during emergencies when communication systems are under strain. Alerts are delivered as priority pop-up notifications accompanied by loud warning tones, while some supported devices can also read the messages aloud to improve accessibility.
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