The UK government will be carrying out an emergency alert test on all 4G and 5G mobile networks on the evening of Sunday, September 7 – and phone users are being warned not to use their phones during the alert
On the afternoon of Sunday, September 7, Brits are being warned to brace themselves as the UK government plans to carry out an emergency alert test on all 4G and 5G mobile networks.
The Emergency Alerts service, a UK government initiative, is designed to warn you if there’s a danger to life nearby, ensuring that in an emergency, your mobile phone or tablet will receive an alert with advice about how to stay safe.
However, mobile users are being cautioned that using their phones during the ‘Armageddon’ alert could cause significant disruptions, particularly if you’re shopping, banking or using popular mobile apps such as WhatsApp.
ParcelHero, a home delivery service, voiced its concerns, stating: “The new alarm system will undoubtedly save lives in the future, when used to warn of extreme weather events, terrorist acts or fires. However, it cautions the alert’s mass testing on all 4G and 5G networks early on a Sunday evening could lead to disruption and failed transactions.”
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So, if you’re planning on doing some online shopping via your smartphone or tablet on Sunday, September 7, you might want to think again. ParcelHero experts have suggested that the mass alarms could result in failed transactions and phones freezing, especially for those who use Amazon, eBay, PayPal or Apple Pay to make purchases.
Consumer Research expert David Jinks stated that ParcelHero is ‘sounding the alarm for shoppers’. Mr Jinks also added: “When the Government’s Emergency Alert test activates on our mobile phones and tablets, everyone will have to acknowledge the warning to regain access to their device’s features.
“A message will appear on home screens, with vibrations and a loud warning siren that will sound for about 10 seconds, even if the phone is set to silent.”
The alert that will flash up on all 4G and 5G gadgets will state:
“This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK government service that will warn you if there’s a life-threatening emergency nearby. In an actual emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe.
“Visit gov.uk/alerts for more information.
“This is a test. You do not need to take any action.”
Specialists at ParcelHero also predict problems straight after the trial warning is triggered as millions rush to share their experience with family and friends via their mobiles, which could potentially cause poor quality or buffering whilst streaming, gaming, plus sluggish browsing speeds.
It’s been recommended that mobile users hold off for several minutes before making purchases, booking a service or settling a bill, until after the notification has been received and cleared, before continuing to use your handsets.
When uncertain, verify your latest transactions on your payment or banking applications and confirm you have securely received a purchase confirmation email. Mr Jinks also provides a method to opt out of receiving the alerts: “If you really must shop, there is a simple hack that means your phone won’t receive the alert.
“Search your settings for ’emergency alerts’ (these are in Notifications on an iPhone). Then select turn off ‘severe alerts’ and ‘extreme alerts’.
“However, we don’t recommend this as the alert could save your life in the future.”