EENA Update 17/06/2026
EENA’s newsletter brings you the latest updates in emergency communications.
EENA’s newsletter brings you the latest updates in emergency communications.
In this edition, you can read about Ireland planning to launch a cell broadcast system, public warning testing in Estonia, Latvia, and New Zealand, and much more!
Please note: The next EENA Update will exceptionally be sent in three weeks.
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2G/3G Shutdow
World Cup 2026: European travellers may be unable to call emergency services in the US
As the FIFA World Cup began last week, European travellers may face difficulties reaching emergency services in the US. The shutdown of 2G and 3G networks in the United States, combined with unresolved interoperability issues between some European mobile phones and US 4G/5G voice services, means that certain travellers may be unable to place an emergency call when needed.
EENA has repeatedly raised this issue since 2022 and recently urged the European Commission to seek clarification from US authorities. As the tournament begins, no universal solution appears to be in place. Travellers are encouraged to check with their mobile operator whether their phone can make emergency calls in the US and ensure they have alternative ways to seek help if needed.
BEREC highlights risks to emergency calling from 2G/3G phase-out
BEREC has warned about the risks associated with fragmented approaches to the phase-out of legacy mobile technologies, particularly where both 2G and 3G networks are being switched off. The organisation highlights the importance of thorough risk assessments by mobile network operators, timely and transparent communication with end users and stakeholders, and the sharing of best practices to minimise potential impacts. BEREC also calls on operators, industry associations, standards bodies, equipment vendors and device manufacturers to work together to ensure a coordinated transition that safeguards reliable access to emergency communications.
Digital Networks Act
EENA publishes position paper on the Digital Networks Act
As emergency communications face growing challenges, from network outages during crises to unresolved 4G and 5G emergency calling issues, EENA welcomes the European Commission’s efforts to strengthen the resilience and reliability of the networks that support 112. The proposal includes important measures to improve network resilience and protect emergency communications during technological transitions. However, further refinements are needed to ensure the DNA fully delivers on its ambitions.
In the position paper, EENA calls for greater clarity on callbacks and the EU Digital Identity Wallet, better preparation of PSAPs for new forms of emergency communications, and stronger alignment of public warning and caller location requirements with emerging best practices.
Understanding the Digital Networks Act
The proposed Digital Networks Act (DNA) is set to become the EU’s main legislation for telecommunications and connectivity, replacing the current European Electronic Communications Code. EENA’s new webpage explains the proposal, highlighting its implications for emergency communications, and outlining how members can contribute to the ongoing debate.
Webinars
Resilience and support for call‑takers responding to suicidal crises
23 June 2026 at 14:30 CEST
Emergency call‑takers are on the frontline of suicidal crises, supporting people in their most vulnerable moments. While this work is critical and lifesaving, repeated exposure to high‑intensity calls places staff at risk of secondary traumatic stress, compassion fatigue, and long‑term emotional strain. This webinar explores how emergency communication centres can strengthen staff wellbeing through trauma‑informed practices, training, and operational support. The focus is on practical and evidence‑based approaches that help call‑takers maintain psychological resilience while continuing to provide safe, effective support to callers in crisis.
Add the webinar to your calendar.
If you missed our webinar on End-to-end testing for emergency communications in 4G and 5G, you can watch the recording here!
Emergency communications around the world
Ireland moves forward with national cell broadcast warning system
The Irish Government has approved the procurement of a national cell broadcast public warning system, paving the way for emergency alerts to be sent directly to mobile phones during major incidents. Ireland is one of the EU countries that has not yet implemented a cell broadcast warning system. Originally expected to be operational in 2024, the rollout is now planned for 2027, following delays and discussions over how the system would be used.
Read more here (Irish Mirror).
India temporarily suspends new cell broadcast alert system
India has temporarily suspended its newly launched Cell Broadcast System following issues identified by authorities during the initial rollout and testing phase. The suspension took effect on 12 June and will remain in place until further notice while the system undergoes additional review. The nationwide alert platform had only recently entered testing and was intended to strengthen the country’s emergency warning capabilities. Authorities have not publicly detailed the reasons behind the decision, although media reports suggest concerns were raised following the transmission of a late-night test alert.
Latvia conducts nationwide siren and cell broadcast test
Latvia carried out a nationwide test of its public warning system on 2 June, activating emergency sirens across the country for three minutes. The exercise was designed to verify the operation of the national warning infrastructure and ensure the readiness of emergency alert procedures. For the first time, the test also included an informational message sent via cell broadcast technology to mobile phones with test alerts enabled. Authorities reminded residents that regular testing helps maintain preparedness and familiarise the public with warning signals and emergency procedures.
Estonia tests public warning system and prepares for cell broadcast
Estonia carried out a nationwide test of its EE-ALARM public warning system, activating sirens, sending notifications through mobile applications and displaying warning messages on public broadcasting channels. A key objective was to assess the audibility of sirens in smaller towns and gather data to determine whether the network should be expanded. The exercise also coincided with the large-scale ILVES 2026 preparedness exercise, involving more than 130 organisations and 111 public shelters. Authorities used the opportunity to remind residents that hearing a siren means they should immediately seek shelter indoors. Estonia plans to conduct another nationwide test in October and will introduce cell broadcast alerts by 2027.
Read more here (Estonian Rescue Services Agency)
New Zealand to conduct nationwide cell broadcast alert test
New Zealand carried out a nationwide test of its Emergency Mobile Alert (EMA) system on 14 June, sending a cell broadcast message to compatible mobile phones across the country. The exercise allowed authorities to evaluate system performance and helped familiarise the public with how emergency alerts appear and sound on their devices. Officials also used the test to encourage residents to review their emergency preparedness plans. The EMA system has previously been used during major incidents including severe weather events, floods and cyclones, and forms part of New Zealand’s broader public warning strategy alongside traditional and digital communication channels.
Read more here (Our Auckland).
FCC proposes stronger cybersecurity and modernisation measures for emergency alert systems
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is set to vote on a proposal aimed at strengthening the cybersecurity, reliability and effectiveness of the country’s Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). The proposal includes measures to better protect alerting systems from cyberattacks, improve the reliability of cell broadcast alerts, improve the accuracy of alerts geotargeting, include standardised symbols in the alerts text and remove a 90-character restriction on Cell Broadcast. The FCC is also considering several modernisation measures, including allowing EAS functionality to be implemented through software-based solutions rather than dedicated hardware, and retiring legacy restrictions such as the 90-character limit for certain wireless alerts. The proposals are currently under consideration and would require approval by the Commission before being adopted.
FCC approves Galileo use for emergency caller location
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved a request from T-Mobile to use location data from Europe’s Galileo satellite navigation system to support its Enhanced 911 (E911) services. The company said the addition of Galileo would help improve the availability, accuracy and reliability of emergency caller location information. The FCC concluded that the move could enhance emergency response capabilities without increasing the risk of interference and noted that the request follows a similar approval previously granted to AT&T. The decision highlights the growing role of multi-constellation GNSS solutions in improving emergency location accuracy.
Read more here (In Compliance)
Romania launches accessible NG112 application
Romania’s Special Telecommunications Service (STS) has launched the Apel 112 mobile application within the country’s Next Generation 112 (NG112) architecture, providing people with hearing and speech impairments with direct access to emergency services through multiple communication channels. Users can contact 112 via video calls, Real-Time Text (RTT), predefined messages, icons, images and videos. The application automatically shares the caller’s location and pre-registered medical information with emergency operators. Video calls are supported by 24/7 Romanian sign language interpretation services, helping ensure accessible communication with emergency services. Alongside the launch, STS is carrying out a nationwide awareness campaign to promote the application and its features.
EU deploys largest-ever wildfire response for summer 2026
The European Commission has launched its largest-ever wildfire preparedness operation, with 777 firefighters from 14 countries pre-positioned across high-risk areas in Cyprus, Greece, Italy, France, Spain and Portugal. In addition, 22 firefighting aircraft and five helicopters will be available through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism to support countries facing severe wildfire conditions. The deployment is part of the EU’s broader effort to strengthen wildfire resilience as fire seasons become longer and more intense. Support will be coordinated through the Emergency Response Coordination Centre, with satellite services, risk forecasting tools and scientific expertise helping authorities monitor and respond to wildfire threats. The EU will also open a new regional firefighting hub in Cyprus to support preparedness, training and cross-border cooperation.
Read more here (European Commission)
EENA was here
Critical Communications World (CCW)
16-18 June 2026, London, England
EENA attended Critical Communications World (CCW) 2026 in London, bringing together emergency services, public authorities, network operators and industry representatives to discuss developments in critical communications and public safety technologies. The event also provided an opportunity to meet with members and partners from across the sector.
BEREC external workshop on accessibility of electronic communications services
9 June 2026, Brussels, Belgium
EENA participated in the BEREC external workshop on the accessibility of electronic communications services, which brought together regulators, consumer organisations, industry representatives and researchers to discuss the implementation of the European Accessibility Act and the future of accessible communications. The discussions focused on end-user needs, regulatory approaches, market solutions and the role of innovation in creating a more inclusive digital environment.
ETSI TC EMTEL #66 meeting
8-9 June 2026, Sophia Antipolis, France
EENA participated in the 66th meeting of ETSI TC EMTEL, bringing together experts working on emergency telecommunications standards and future developments in emergency communications.
NG eCall Plugtests
1-5 June 2026, Ljubljana, Slovenia
EENA participated in the NG eCall Plugtests™ 2026 in Ljubljana, Slovenia, organised by ETSI in cooperation with EENA and the Sintesio Foundation. The event brought together industry stakeholders to test interoperability between next-generation eCall systems and emergency services infrastructure ahead of wider NG eCall deployment across Europe.
Those interested in learning more about the outcomes of the event can join the NG112/NG eCall Plugtests™ 2026 results webinar, taking place on 6 July 2026 from 15:00 to 16:00 CEST here.