Effective and Resilient Alert and WarningSystems for Mobile Devices using 5G Broadcast
Recently MITRE presented “Effective and Resilient Alert and Warning System for Mobile Devices using 5G Broadcast” at the IEEE Communications, Quality & Reliability (CQR) Winter 2025
Tech Forum Webinar - December 10, 2025
Some key points:
5G Broadcast (Band 108): A technology utilizing cellular Band 108 that allows both cellular and non-cellular operators to broadcast voice, video, text, pictures or data directly to a cell phone or 5G enabled device (e.g., IoT devices) – Per FCC authorization.
User Access
Devices receiving 5G Broadcast are not required to have a SIM card or cellular subscription to receive with free-to-air broadcast signal.
Resilient Power
Band 108 Cell phones and tablets operate on battery power.
Alerting and Warning Capability
Optimized to transport data, video and audio securely over the mobile frequency band to any 5G or newer cell phone
Cellular operator compatibility – Cellular operators can transmit WEAs
Alternate path for WEAs – Alternate bands to transmit WEAs to cell phones
Low Power TV station (LPTV) coverage – Numerous LPTV stations maximize RF coverage
Support for audio or video alerts – Could be adapted to support NPWS to cell phones
Security and Encryption – Supports advanced security and encryption features
Smart Devices – Supports integration into IoT smart devices
5G Broadcast could enable new IPAWS pathways to mobile devices
