It may be designed to act as a warning system but for shoppers, but the government's Emergency Alert system could lead to 'disruption', according to an expert, who has warned online shoppers not to use their banking apps during a trial taking place in a few weeks time.
On April 23, millions of mobile phone users across the UK will be part of the nationwide test. Alerts will be sent to compatible phones across the country - any mobile that is 4 or 5G enabled will be able pick up the broadcast unless you have personally disabled the alert feature.
The new smartphone Emergency Alert, which has been nicknamed the ‘Armageddon Alert’ by some, has been designed to alert large proportions of the country about a potential danger in their area. It is initially expected to be used for life-threatening weather warnings where action is needed such as flood or wildfire. Loud alarms and a warning message will be activated on mobile devices. Tests have already been carried out in Suffolk and Reading, with Sunday, April 23, earmarked for the nationwide test of the scheme.
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The alerts, which are designed to save lives by warning people if they are close to a "danger to life nearby" event. As well as the distinctive siren sound during the alert, a message on user's mobile or tablet’s screen will display during the test saying: “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.”
Home delivery experts, Parcelhero, were reported by Manchester Evening News as saying that while the new alarm system will "undoubtedly save lives in the future" when used to warn of extreme weather events, terrorist acts or fires, they can pose a problem during mass testing on all 4G and 5G networks. The consumer experts have said the mass alarms could lead to disruption and failed transactions for mobile phone users, especially those who regularly use Amazon, eBay, PayPal or Apple Pay to purchase items. They have even warned that the alters could make their phones freeze.
David Jinks, ParcelHero’s Head of Consumer Research, said: "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. That’s certainly going to be alarming if you have just pressed “Buy Now”."
Mobile phone masts will broadcast the alert, meaning every compatible mobile phone and tablet in range of a mast will freeze and show the message. Phones and pads don’t even have to be connected to mobile data or Wi-Fi to get the alert.
Mr Jinks added: "That means there’s little way of avoiding the impact of this test. That’s bad news for people gaming, shopping and banking on their devices as the alert is broadcast.
"We also anticipate issues immediately after people receive the test, as many of us race to share our experience by calling, texting or using WhatsApp. When multiple devices all try to use the same network, overcrowding occurs as they compete to connect. This means low quality or buffering during streaming, latency during gaming, and frustratingly slow browsing speeds."
Parcelhero have shared advice though on what consumers can do during the test on April the evening of Sunday, April 23. There's also a way to opt. Nottinghamshire Live has shared how to opt out within this article.
Mr Jinks also gave the heads up on opting out. He said mobile users will need to dismiss the message, before they can regain functionality. He added: "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."
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