Emergency broadcasting service (CBS, cellularbroadcasting service)

This compendium, prepared by the Division for Public Institutions and Digital Government (DPIDG) of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), aims to capture emerging trends in digital responses of UN Member States against the COVID-19 pandemic along with other digital government initiatives and provide a preliminary analysis of their main features. These cases are shared for exchange of information so that Member States can learn from each other and possibly create new partnerships.

The CellularBroadcasting Service, or CBS, enables government agencies to transmit emergency alert text messages on natural or manmade disasters to cell phones through mobile telecom carriers in Korea. Residents who receive COVID-19 emergency texts can quickly check if they have been anywhere that overlaps with the movement of a confirmed patient, allowing them to get tested quickly if necessary. In this way, the CBS contributes to slowing the spread of the Virus across the nation.

Country

Republic of Korea

Institution

Ministry of the Interior and Safety