Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are part of a national public safety system that allows customers with WEA-capable mobile devices to receive notifications of local emergency situations.
WEA can be sent to your mobile device when you may be in harm’s way, without the need to download an app or subscribe to a service. WEAs are messages that warn the public of an impending natural or human-made disaster. The messages are short and can provide immediate, life-saving information.
UScellular® is proud to continue offering WEA at no additional charge to its customers throughout its service areas and beyond, via roaming arrangements with other wireless carriers. Your phone must be WEA-capable and powered on to receive an alert. WEA have a unique sound and vibration so that all recipients, including those with disabilities, receive notification of the situation.
There are five types of Wireless Emergency Alerts:
UScellular wants to make customers aware of important improvements they may see to the WEA system.
Starting December 18, 2019, WEA messages may include enhanced functionality. This functionality can include extended message length (up to 360 characters), Spanish language alerts, and Public Safety Messages with supplemental instructions for protecting life or property during the emergency situation.
In addition, some WEA messages may be delivered in a more geographically precise manner in order to alert the communities impacted by an emergency without alarming or disturbing other areas.
Manufacturer | Current Devices |
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ANS |
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Apple |
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LG |
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Motorola |
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Nuu Mobile |
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Samsung |
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Sonim |
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TCL |
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* WEA 3.0 capable devices
If you do not see your device listed, it may not support the WEA enhanced functionality features. Please note however, that your device, if already WEA-compatible, will continue to support its current WEA capabilities and receive emergency alerts.
Disaster can strike at any time, which is why UScellular wants to provide its customers with helpful emergency preparedness tips. Learn how to help keep you and your loved ones safe, connected and informed in the event of an emergency with the tips below.
View tips for emergency preparedness (English)
View tips for emergency preparedness (Spanish)
*Enhanced alerting capabilities are dependent upon FEMA's Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) infrastructure readiness. IPAWS enhanced readiness is not anticipated until on or after June 10, 2019, impacting the delivery of WEA feature enhancements.
Things we want you to know: UScellular does not guarantee alert delivery or timeliness. UScellular is not responsible for content of alerts. Delivery of alerts is considered "best-effort" and alerts may not be received in weak signal areas.