Early warning systems (EWS) save lives when disaster strikes. They provide critical advance notice of impending hazards and crises, enabling people to take swift and appropriate action to protect themselves, their families and their communities. Mobile technology, particularly cell broadcast (CB), has played a pivotal role in EWS for more than two decades.

As the importance of anticipatory action becomes clearer, and the United Nations spearheads a global commitment to ensure everyone on Earth is protected by an EWS by 2027, understanding the potential of CB for EWS is crucial.

This report presents the opportunities, challenges and considerations associated with CB-enabled EWS.