Out-Law / Your Daily Need-To-Know

A security systems' entrepreneur and a company specialising in commercial text messages have launched a service which they claim will use SMS to alert subscribers on terrorist attacks in their areas and to advise them on what to do in the event of such an incident.

The City Alert Texting System (CATS) venture was conceived by David Pieterse, a security systems' entrepreneur, and Eazytext, a Midlands-based company which specialises in commercial text messaging.

The aim of the service is to "keep the general public safe" and Pieterse states that CATS will "deliver information to the public where traditional media channels cannot reach."

Mr Pieterse further claims that CATS is designed to give prompt information on emergency services and courses of action if an attack occurs.

According to Pieterse, the service will cost £1.50 per year and subscribers will be able to register by disclosing the postal codes of their homes and workplaces. Initially, CATS will be available to those living in London, although it is intended that the service will be extended to other cities across the UK.

Pieterse and Eazytext claim that their service has been demonstrated to London's Fire and Emergency Planning Authority and that they are in negotiations with similar authorities in Manchester and Edinburgh.

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