Alerta RD: Why some phones did not receive the earthquake drill alert

Santo Domingo.- Not everyone in the Dominican Republic received the Alerta RD notification during the 2026 National Earthquake Drill because the country’s national Cell Broadcast emergency alert system is still being implemented, according to the National Emergency and Security System 9-1-1.

Authorities explained that the platform, being developed in coordination with the Dominican Telecommunications Institute (INDOTEL) and telecommunications companies, is expected to be fully implemented within the next 70 days.

During the earthquake drill, authorities used two alert mechanisms: Cell Broadcast, where the technology was already available, and SMS messages as a complementary system.

The 9-1-1 system said one telecommunications provider already has the Cell Broadcast platform in operation, while other providers remain in different stages of technical implementation.

More than 72% of the population received the alert

During the earthquake drill, Alerta RD was tested to assess its reach and performance.

Preliminary data showed that more than 72% of the Dominican population received the alert, while authorities will analyze the results to identify coverage gaps and technical improvements. Claro users reported receiving the notification, while Altice and Viva users did not.

Alerta RD expands its reach

The Dominican government first activated Alerta RD on September 9, 2025, initially reaching Android devices connected to the Claro network through Cell Broadcast Service (CBS) technology.

A year later, the system’s reach has expanded to include iOS devices and Claro SIM cards, although a significant portion of mobile lines remains outside the current coverage.

Once the national Cell Broadcast implementation is completed, authorities expect Alerta RD to provide broader coverage for emergency warnings, allowing messages to be sent directly to compatible mobile phones during earthquakes, hurricanes and other emergencies.