The homeland security teams are not happy with the effectiveness of the color-coded panic inducing system, so they have now come up with the ultimate threat alert system, namely SMS. The plan stems from the Warning Alert and Response Network Act, a 2006 federal law that requires upgrades to the nation's emergency alert system. The act tasked the Federal Communications Commission with coming up with new ways to alert the public about emergencies. Participation in the alert system by carriers is voluntary, but it has received solid support from the wireless industry. Cell phone subscribers would be able to opt out of the program. They also may not be charged for receiving alerts.

There would be three different types of messages, according to the rules. The first would be a national alert from the president, likely involving a terrorist attack or natural disaster. The second would involve "imminent threats," which could include natural disasters like hurricanes or tornadoes or even university shootings. The third would be reserved for child abduction emergencies, or so-called Amber Alerts. The service could be in place by 2010.

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