Technoglitch
Core Member
Sarting March, a gentle long press of the digit 9 on your existing mobile phone will send an immediate alert to the police and your near and dear ones, as the Narendra Modi government rolls out the panic alert facility that has been in the works for some time to help those, especially women, in distress. In future handsets, the volume buttons, when pressed together, will act as the trigger.
The alert will provide location information of the person in distress. The government has handset makers and mobile operators on board to launch the programme in March, said government officials with knowledge of the matter.
Smartphone users can download the software patch online, while outlets of mobile companies will install it in basic handsets free of cost.
"Every handset, as explained by the service providers, works on a program. It was felt that rather than having an extra button or providing an app, it was advisable to upgrade the existing program of the mobile phone," a senior official privy to the development said, requesting anonymity. "The upgrade will configure the phone accordingly so that each time the digit 9 is pressed, an alert is sent to the police and family members or friends of the individual".
Mobile phone companies have been asked to work on the technological solution for the handsets. The official said the department of telecommunications will send a formal order asking service providers to offer the software upgrade on all existing phones.
Starting March, just dial 9 when in distress - Times of India
The alert will provide location information of the person in distress. The government has handset makers and mobile operators on board to launch the programme in March, said government officials with knowledge of the matter.
Smartphone users can download the software patch online, while outlets of mobile companies will install it in basic handsets free of cost.
"Every handset, as explained by the service providers, works on a program. It was felt that rather than having an extra button or providing an app, it was advisable to upgrade the existing program of the mobile phone," a senior official privy to the development said, requesting anonymity. "The upgrade will configure the phone accordingly so that each time the digit 9 is pressed, an alert is sent to the police and family members or friends of the individual".
Mobile phone companies have been asked to work on the technological solution for the handsets. The official said the department of telecommunications will send a formal order asking service providers to offer the software upgrade on all existing phones.
Starting March, just dial 9 when in distress - Times of India
