05 April 2023 , 14:28
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On the evening of Sunday, April 23 the UK government will be sounding the alarm by carrying out an emergency alert test on all 4G and 5G mobile networks.
Emergency Alerts is a UK government service designed to warn you if there’s a danger to life nearby, so that in an emergency, your mobile phone or tablet will receive an alert with advice about how to remain safe.
Phone users are being warned that using mobile phones during the 'Armageddon' alert could cause huge disruptions if you're shopping, banking or using popular mobile apps such as Whatsapp.
Experts at home delivery service ParcelHero said: "The new alarm system will undoubtedly save lives in the future, when used to warn of extreme weather events, terrorist acts or fires. However, it cautions the alert’s mass testing on all 4G and 5G networks early on a Sunday evening could lead to disruption and failed transactions."
So if you're planning on shopping via your smartphone or tablet on the early evening of April 23, you may want to reconsider, as experts at ParcelHero have also suggested that the mass alarms could lead to failed transactions and phones freezing, more so for those who use Amazon, eBay, PayPal or Apple Pay to purchase items.
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Consumer Research expert David Jinks M.I.L.T says that ParcelHero is 'sounding the alarm for shoppers'.
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Mr Jinks also added: "When the Government’s Emergency Alert test activates on our mobile phones and tablets, everyone will have to acknowledge the warning to regain access to their device’s features.
"A message will appear on home screens, with vibrations and a loud warning siren that will sound for about 10 seconds, even if the phone is set to silent."
The message that will appear on all 4G and 5G devices will read:
"This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK government service that will warn you if there’s a life-threatening emergency nearby. In an actual emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe.
"Visit gov.uk/alerts for more information.
"This is a test. You do not need to take any action."
Experts at ParcelHero also anticipate issues immediately after the test alert is received as we all race to share our experience with loved ones via our phones, which could possibly lead to low quality or buffering during streaming, gaming, as well as slow browsing speeds.
It has been suggested that smartphone users wait a few minutes before making purchases, booking a service or paying a bill, until after the alert has been received and dismissed, before resuming use of your mobile devices.
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If in doubt, check your recent transactions on your payment or banking apps. and whether you have safely received a purchase confirmation email.
There's also a way to opt out of receiving the alerts, Mr Jinks adds: "If you really must shop, there is a simple hack that means your phone won’t receive the alert.
"Search your settings for 'emergency alerts' (these are in Notifications on an iPhone). Then select turn off 'severe alerts' and 'extreme alerts'.
"However, we don’t recommend this as the alert could save your life in the future."