Optus has joined Telstra and Vodafone in implementing the national location-based mobile telephone emergency warning system, for rollout over the next 12 months.

For customers in federally declared emergency zones, regular SMS updates will be broadcast to all users to alert to safety points and to publish contact numbers for essential services. Until the rollout is finalized, Optus will continue with its current system using data from state emergency services.

“Optus is pleased to be a part of this important initiative to help emergency services organisations protect Australians, and is committed to delivering the new solution by November next year,” David Epstein, Vice President, Optus Corporate and Regulatory Affairs said.

“We take our obligations to the community very seriously. It’s important that Optus customers know our existing SMS system can send warning alerts to help them stay safe this bushfire season until we implement the new solution. While our existing capability utilises different technology, we have used it previously to reach customers in at-risk areas during Cyclone Yasi in Queensland.

“SMS alerts are only one part of the emergency alert system, so we encourage our customers to also stay tuned to TV, radio and the internet for updates on threats and emergency situations,” said Mr Epstein.

All Optus resellers, including Virgin, Amaysim, Dodo, iPrimus, TPG and others using the Optus Open Network, will be part of the rollout. Optus is Australia’s largest wholesaler of mobile network access.

“Getting emergency warnings out effectively during a natural disaster is absolutely critical, I’m pleased Optus has come on board to do this,” Attorney-General Nicola Roxon said in a statement.

“In a world first, highly targeted location based emergency warnings will be used during disasters across Australia by the end of next year.

“It means Australian mobile phone users will be able to get these warnings if they’re in a disaster area — this system won’t only rely upon their registered address.”