DAB+ radio and public safety: how the “Automatic Safety Alert” will save lives

27.09.2024 by Carsten Zorger

Carsten Zorger, member of WorldDAB's Steering Board, and Director of the German DAB+ digital radio marketing body - Digitalradio Büro Deutschland, writes:

In a world where natural disasters and emergencies are becoming increasingly common, the need for a reliable and efficient public safety communication system has never been more pressing. Three years ago, devastating floods in Germany's Ahr Valley brought this necessity into sharp focus. The tragic event highlighted significant gaps in existing emergency communication systems. With 135 people dead, this event served as a catalyst for the development of a pioneering security system using DAB+ radio, designed to save lives and improve public safety worldwide.

The Ahr Valley flood: a catalyst for change

In July 2021, the Ahr Valley, a picturesque region in Western Germany, was hit by unprecedented flooding. Torrential rainstorms overwhelmed the riverbanks. Despite weather warnings, many residents did not receive timely alerts, which could have provided them with the necessary time to evacuate or seek safety. The failure was not due to a lack of will or effort but a deficiency in the communication systems that were in place. Conventional methods, such as sirens and SMS alerts, proved inadequate in reaching everyone in a timely and effective manner. The Ahr Valley disaster underscored the need for a more robust, widespread, and reliable communication system to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

DAB+ comes to the rescue

DAB+ provides clearer sound quality, greater bandwidth for more stations, and the ability to broadcast additional data such as text and images. Unlike internet-based services, DAB+ does not rely on data networks or mobile phone towers, making it more resilient during natural disasters when other communication infrastructures may fail.

DAB+ radio is widely adopted in countries across Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa, making it an ideal medium for a global emergency alert system. In Germany, DAB+ coverage is extensive, reaching almost the entire population, which made it an obvious choice for the foundation of a new emergency alert system following the Ahr Valley floods.

Introducing the Automatic Safety Alert (ASA) system

The Automatic Safety Alert (ASA) system represents a significant advancement in public safety communication.

The ASA system works by sending out safety alerts via the DAB+ radio network. These alerts can be transmitted in real-time, ensuring that the public is informed of imminent dangers such as natural disasters, industrial accidents, or terrorist threats. The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) has played a crucial role in standardising the ASA system, ensuring that it meets stringent technical specifications and can be adopted by countries worldwide.

The development and successful testing of the Automatic Safety Alert (ASA) system is the result of a collaborative effort between WorldDAB and the Digitalradio Deutschland Association. The organisations worked closely together. WorldDAB provided the technical framework and standardisation support necessary for ASA's integration into the existing DAB+ infrastructure, while the Digitalradio Deutschland Association focused on the practical implementation and public engagement aspects within Germany. This partnership ensured that ASA is not only technically sound but also aligned with the needs and expectations of both broadcasters and the public.

The DAB+ ASA system offers numerous advantages over traditional emergency alert mechanisms or FM radio:

1. Reliability: DAB+ broadcasts are less susceptible to interruptions, making ASA a reliable method for disseminating emergency alerts. Even during severe weather events, when mobile networks and internet services may fail, DAB+ signals can continue to reach the public.
2. Accessibility: ASA alerts can reach all DAB+ enabled devices, from radios in cars and homes to portable DAB+ receivers. This wide accessibility ensures that alerts can reach people in urban centres and remote areas, reducing the risk of anyone being left uninformed during a crisis.
3. Speed: The ASA system allows for the rapid transmission of alerts, providing real-time information that can be crucial in emergencies. The system’s ability to quickly inform the public can save lives by giving people more time to evacuate or take protective measures.
4. Ease of Implementation: ASA leverages existing DAB+ infrastructure, making it easier and more cost-effective to implement compared to building new communication networks. Countries with established DAB+ systems can adopt ASA with minimal additional investment.
5. Global Reach: As DAB+ is already in use across many countries, the ASA system has the potential for worldwide implementation. By adopting a standardised approach, countries can ensure that their emergency alert systems are compatible.

The road to worldwide adoption

During the recent IFA (Internationale Funkausstellung) in Berlin and the German Warning Day on Sept 12, the ASA system underwent testing to demonstrate its functionality and reliability in real-world scenarios. These events provided a critical platform to validate ASA's capabilities, showcasing how the system can broadcast emergency alerts effectively across DAB+ enabled devices. Similarly, on German Warning Day, ASA was tested alongside other national warning systems to ensure seamless integration and coordination.

The successful trials at both events bolster confidence that the ASA system will perform reliably in future emergencies, providing a vital layer of safety and communication for communities across Germany and beyond.

Certified radios for safety messages

To ensure the success of the ASA system, efforts are underway to standardise its implementation globally. This includes collaborations between countries, regulatory bodies, and industry leaders to establish best practices and guidelines for the system’s use. Certification programmes for manufacturers have been introduced to ensure that devices meet the required standards for receiving ASA alerts, guaranteeing consistency and reliability.

A significant aspect of the ASA system's rollout is the development of a dedicated logo and branding, which will be used to identify devices and services that support ASA. This branding will help build public trust and recognition, making it easier for people to know which devices are capable of receiving emergency alerts, thus enhancing overall preparedness.

Looking ahead, there is potential for ASA to be integrated with other technologies to create a comprehensive emergency alert ecosystem. This could include integration with mobile networks, internet-based platforms, and even smart home systems, ensuring that alerts are delivered through multiple channels to maximise their reach and effectiveness.

As we move towards a future where ASA is widely adopted, the vision of a safer world, where everyone has access to timely and reliable emergency alerts, becomes a reality. Countries with DAB+ infrastructure are encouraged to implement ASA, ensuring that their citizens are better protected against the uncertainties of natural and man-made disasters.

Click here for more information on ASA Emergency Warnings

Carsten Zorger is a member of WorldDAB's Steering Board, and is the Director of the German DAB+ digital radio marketing body - Digitalradio Büro Deutschland which oversees the marketing and promotion of DAB+ digital radio in Germany. Prior to this, he was head of marketing and communications at the German national radio broadcaster, Deutschlandradio. Previously, he was head of public relations at the Berlin-Brandenburg branch of ADAC, the German automobile association. He was responsible for corporate communications at ISP Strato AG, one of the world's largest web-hosting companies. He has extensive experience in the radio industry, having been chief editor and director of audio and internet at SWR3 Börsenman and managing editor at BLR in Bavaria.