On Sunday afternoon, UK sporting events will face disruptions due to a nationwide emergency alert test conducted by the Government. At precisely 3pm, approximately 87 million phones are expected to emit a loud siren sound as part of the test, marking the first such trial since April 2023.
Previously, the emergency alert has been activated five times during events like Storm Darragh and Storm Eowyn to disseminate crucial information during emergencies. The upcoming test aims to assess the functionality of the alert system in critical situations such as floods or storms.
All individuals connected to 4G or 5G networks in the UK will receive the alert, emphasizing its importance in potentially saving lives during real emergencies. The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Pat McFadden, highlighted the significance of the test in safeguarding the nation during life-threatening scenarios.
The emergency alert will play a loud siren sound on every phone in the UK network for about ten seconds, even on silent or vibrating settings. While the alert will notify recipients that it is only a test with no immediate action required, phones on airplane mode or turned off will not receive the alert.
In the event of a network reconnection, phones may still receive the alert shortly after, as it broadcasts from local phone masts to all devices within range. This means that tourists and individuals with non-UK numbers will also receive the alert.
Scheduled sporting events like the England vs. South Africa ODI cricket match and the Rugby Super League derby clash will experience delays due to the emergency alert test. Organizers are prepared to pause the matches during the alert to ensure players are not distracted.
Additionally, the Old Firm game between Celtic Women and Rangers Women in Scotland will be pushed back by five minutes. Despite these interruptions, it is anticipated that most participants in the Great North Run will finish before the sirens sound, avoiding any significant impact on the event.