Bangkok, Thailand – True Corporation Plc. today announced it has become the first private telecommunications operator in Thailand to complete the nationwide installation and activation of Cell Broadcast Service (CBS) functionality across its network infrastructure. This significant milestone in national public safety preparedness was achieved ahead of the original May 2025 target, accelerated by recent seismic activity and a subsequent directive from the Prime Minister. True’s network is now fully equipped and ready to disseminate critical emergency alerts via 4G and 5G signals upon receiving official government orders.
In a move poised to significantly enhance Thailand’s disaster response capabilities, True Corporation has confirmed the successful completion of its Cell Broadcast Service (CBS) system rollout across all its signal towers nationwide. This technological upgrade enables the rapid transmission of emergency warnings directly to mobile devices within designated geographical areas, providing a vital tool for public safety during critical events.
The CBS system operates independently of mobile applications. Warnings are delivered as distinct sound alerts accompanied by pop-up messages directly on the screens of mobile phones connected to True’s 4G and 5G networks within the targeted zone. Crucially, these alerts can reach devices even when they are in sleep or standby mode, as long as they are powered on. Demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity, particularly in a nation with significant tourism and expatriate populations, the system supports message delivery in five languages: Thai, English, Chinese, Japanese, and Russian. This ensures that vital safety information can reach a broad spectrum of the population promptly.
The expedited completion of this nationwide system underscores the increasing urgency and importance placed on robust public warning systems. Mr. Chakkrit Urairat, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at True Corporation Plc., elaborated on the context: “The recent earthquake has underscored the critical importance of timely and effective emergency alerts to protect the lives and property of Thais. Recently, True became the first private operator to complete the installation of the Cell Broadcast Service functionality on all 4G and 5G signal towers nationwide—well ahead of our initial May target. In response to both the recent event and the Prime Minister’s directive, the installation has been accelerated. It is now complete.”
Mr. Chakkrit further detailed the technical readiness, stating, “The installed functions include System & Configuration Management, Message Deployment Function, and Network Management.” This technical infrastructure ensures that True can effectively receive, manage, and broadcast alerts as directed by the authorities.
The implementation of the nationwide CBS system is a cornerstone of a larger public-private partnership aimed at bolstering Thailand’s resilience against disasters. This collaborative effort is spearheaded by the government, primarily through the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE) and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM). The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) also plays a crucial role, notably providing financial support for the initiative through its Universal Basic Telecommunications and Social Services Fund (USO Fund).
This framework establishes clear roles and responsibilities. The DDPM functions as the central command center, designated as the Cell Broadcast Entity (CBE). In this capacity, the DDPM is responsible for creating, managing, approving the content of emergency alerts, and critically, defining the specific geographical areas where the warnings need to be disseminated. Key personnel within the CBE structure include Administrators, Message Creators, and Approvers, ensuring a controlled and verified flow of information.
Telecommunications operators, like True Corporation, operate as Cell Broadcast Centers (CBCs). Their primary responsibility is to receive the approved messages from the DDPM and broadcast them through their network infrastructure, specifically targeting the cell towers servicing the areas designated by the CBE.
True Corporation’s proactive approach included rigorous testing prior to the full nationwide rollout. Successful system tests were conducted in key areas, validating the technology’s effectiveness. Notably, tests occurred at True Corporation’s headquarters in Bangkok in July of the previous year, and subsequently in Phuket Province in November – a region acutely aware of disaster impact following the 2004 tsunami and a vital international tourist destination. These tests provided valuable operational data and confidence in the system’s capabilities.
With the nationwide infrastructure now fully operational and functions enabled across all relevant towers, True Corporation stands ready to activate the CBS system immediately upon receiving an official command from the government, likely channeled through the DDPM. This readiness ensures that millions of True and dtac SIM users across the country can receive potentially life-saving information without delay should an emergency arise.
The completion represents a significant investment by True Corporation in national infrastructure and public safety, positioning the company as a key partner in Thailand’s evolving disaster management strategy. This proactive stance not only benefits its customer base but also contributes to the overall safety and security of the nation, potentially bolstering confidence among citizens, tourists, and investors alike regarding Thailand’s preparedness for unforeseen events. The successful and early completion highlights the potential for effective public-private partnerships in addressing critical national challenges.
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