Expanding mobile coverage across regional Victoria is important not only so people are able to stay in contact with others, but also so services like Emergency Alert are viable.
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Emergency alert systems rely on telecommunications networks to send out the messages, so message delivery is not guaranteed if a person’s inbox is full, their phone is switched off or if they are out of a coverage zone.
These messages can also be sent to landlines, but problems arise in this instance if the landline is reliant on electricity.
Telstra is currently constructing two new base stations at Bullarto and Eganstown, with work to build stations at Denver and Lyonville to begin later in the year.
The fire safety risk for towns in the region was the catalyst for the community push for coverage in mobile black spots, as a lack of coverage means it is difficult to call emergency services without the stable connection of a landline.
Emergency services such as the SES, Victoria Police and the CFA are increasingly using technology and social media to communicate with people quickly and easily.
But the benefits of rapidly changing technology are redundant if something as simple, something so many of us now take for granted, mobile phone and data coverage, is inaccessible.
Services such as VicEmergency provide real-time updates for Victorians, but the VicEmergency website itself says:
“Remember, always access more than one source for emergency information and warnings.”
Traditional news sources like local radio and television continue to be steadily reliable sources of up to date information during emergencies.
However, this week we saw how human error resulted in mass panic in Hawaii when an emergency alert in the form of a text message was sent to everybody on the island warning of an imminent missile attack and instructing people to seek immediate shelter.
The message was also broadcast across TV and radio services.
It took authorities 38 minutes to rectify the mistake by sending out another message. Authorities in Hawaii have since said that protocols will be reviewed and an investigation will be conducted.
It just goes to show, that like anything, the rapidity of technology has its benefits, but it also has its downfalls.
