Finland will introduce FI-Alert in November 2026. The new channel lets authorities send emergency warnings directly to mobile phones, the Ministry of the Interior announced on 28 October.
— It is very important that we will be able to warn the public more quickly, reach more people and target warnings to specific areas, says Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen.
FI-Alert uses cell broadcast technology in mobile networks. It sends warnings to phones within a specific geographical area. The system works on 4G and 5G phones connected to a mobile network. People do not need to download an app or register for a service.
Authorities can issue a warning when a situation threatens life or health, or could cause major property damage. FI-Alert will not replace existing channels. Warnings will still be issued via radio, television, the 112 Suomi app and websites.
Rantanen said the government allocated funding last year to develop and launch the system.
More information is available from Finland’s rescue services.