Finland to launch new public warning channel: FI-Alert

In November 2026, Finland will introduce FI-Alert, a new warning channel that will allow authorities to send emergency warnings directly to mobile phones.

Authorities can issue an emergency warning when a situation threatens life or health or could cause major property damage. Emergency warnings help alert and protect the public effectively during accidents, incidents and emergency conditions.

“It is very important that we will be able to warn the public more quickly, reach more people and target warnings to specific areas. The Government Programme identified a clear need to modernise the emergency warning system. Last year, the Government allocated funding to develop and launch the long-awaited FI-Alert system, and now it is being introduced in Finland,” says Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen.

FI-Alert sends emergency warnings directly to mobile phones

FI-Alert uses cell broadcast technology available in mobile networks to send emergency warnings to mobile phones within a specific geographical area. FI-Alert will work on 4G and 5G mobile phones connected to a mobile network. People will not need to download an app or register for a service to receive warnings.

FI-Alert complements existing warning channels

FI-Alert will not replace existing emergency warning channels. Authorities will continue to issue emergency warnings through radio, television, the 112 Suomi app and websites.

Using several channels remains important because they complement each other in different situations. This helps authorities provide information as reliably as possible, including during incidents.