Pocket Siren is a next-generation emergency alert system being developed in Estonia. It delivers fast and reliable alerts directly to smartphones—even when mobile networks are down or the phone is on silent. The system uses 5G broadcast technology, which relies on broadcasting networks instead of traditional mobile networks.
Recent crises, such as severe snowstorms and large-scale power outages, have shown that mobile networks cannot always be relied on. Pocket Siren provides an alternative, network-independent channel to quickly and effectively notify people of danger.
Pocket Siren uses a 5G broadcasting network that transmits alerts similarly to television and radio signals. Notifications reach devices using sound, light, and vibration signals—even when the phone is in silent mode. No app or internet connection is required, and alerts can be received even without mobile signal coverage.
Currently, only a limited number of phones support 5G broadcast (band n71, frequencies E40/E41 – 626–634 MHz), most of which are specially configured for testing. Standard smartphones generally do not yet support Pocket Siren, but this may change as the technology becomes more widely adopted.
Known supported models:
Motorola RAZR Plus 2023 (US)
Motorola Edge 50 Fusion
OnePlus 13R (US), 10 Pro, 11 5G
Google Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 7
Samsung S25+ (US)
Motorola G Power 2025 (US)
iPhone 13 (US)
Sony Xperia V
Fairphone 5
The project is led by:
Ministry of the Interior
Estonian Rescue Board
Estonian Defence Forces
Emergency Response Centre
Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority
IT and Development Centre of the Ministry of the Interior
State Infocommunication Foundation
Government Office of Estonia
Technology development and testing are carried out by Levira, TalTech, NAKOLOS and TREDESS commissioned by the Government Office’s Strategy Unit. The project is funded by the EU Cohesion Policy 2021–2027.
Testing is taking place in Tallinn, Pärnu, and Rakvere. These cities were selected for their suitable broadcasting infrastructure and diverse urban environments, which allow for thorough testing of the technology.
Yes, this is possible. We are aware of at least 12 device models that already support broadcast frequencies. If you receive an alert during testing—even if you are not a participant—we encourage you to provide feedback at taskusireen.ee.
5G Broadcast enables the delivery of TV, radio, and emergency alerts directly to smartphones via digital television frequencies E40 (626 MHz) and E41 (634 MHz), known in mobile networks as band n71. Alerts are transmitted instantly and include sound, light, and vibration signals, even if the device is in silent mode.
The Pocket Siren test network currently covers the following counties in Estonia:
Harju County
Pärnu County
Järva County
Ida-Viru County
Lääne-Viru County
Rapla County
Viljandi County
Tartu County
Future expansion is planned to cover additional areas.