Chile’s emergency alert system: The role of MNOs in Early Warning Systems

This report examines Chile's mobile-based emergency alert system, Sistema de Alerta de Emergencias (SAE), as a case study of effective mobile network operator (MNO) engagement in early warning systems (EWS).

Over the past decade, Chile’s SAE has developed into a mature, coordinated EWS in which MNOs play a crucial role. Supported by strong regulation and high levels of mobile penetration, the SAE is a multi-hazard alerting mechanism that reaches populations quickly, reliably and at scale. MNOs not only disseminate alerts, but also maintain infrastructure, ensure handset compatibility, participate in daily testing and contribute to system design and upgrades.