Galileo Emergency Warning Satellite Service (EWSS)
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What is Galileo EWSS?
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What does it do?
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How does it work?
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EUSPA’s role
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Facts and figures
What is Galileo EWSS?
Galileo EWSS, currently under development, will swiftly broadcast alerts globally, allowing national civil protection authorities to directly transmit emergency alerts to smartphones (or any Galileo-enabled devices) of citizens and without using radiocommunications networks (which may become unavailable during natural or man-made disasters).
What does it do?
Galileo EWSS will provide reliable alerts when other systems fail.
During disasters, mobile networks often suffer congestion, disruption, or even destruction. EWSS will ensure alerts still get through.
Many rural and remote regions have poor or no mobile signal. EWSS will fill this gap by reaching people directly via satellite.
EWSS is a public service and is sustainable thanks to Galileo’s resilient infrastructure making sure that it continues working even if other alert channels are down.
How does it work?
Using the Galileo messaging function, Galileo EWSS will send alerts directly to people located in an area threatened by a natural or man-made disaster.
Galileo-enabled smartphones and receivers will get alerts straight from satellites – no mobile network needed. See an example of EWSS working in bus stops.
Each alert will bear the originating entity (usually a civil protection organisation) and include type of hazard, severity, time, duration, and affected area.
Messages will include instructions on what to do immediately to stay safe, and in national languages when requested.
EUSPA’s role
EUSPA ensures the reliability and security of Galileo EWSS by:
- overseeing service delivery;
- developing and maintaining the Galileo EWSS infrastructure;
- supporting authorities and end users;
- ensuring trusted performance in crises.
Facts and figures
<60 seconds on average to transmit alerts to everyone in the danger zone
24/7 satellite channel always available for emergency broadcasts
Free of charge for national civil protection authorities in the EU