Robi introduces real-time SMS-based coronavirus alert in Dhaka

Using advanced data analytics solutions, Robi has come up with a unique solution to send out SMS-based coronavirus alert service in parts of Dhaka, said in a press release today.

Due to the real-time nature of the SMS alert, this notification is designed to trigger a heightened mental awareness about the highly contagious coronavirus among the people who are having to move around the city, they said.

Both Robi and Airtel customers will get to avail this service without any charge.

Robi said this experimental service is being piloted today in some parts of Dhaka.

Residents of the areas which are covered by the experiment will receive an SMS notification informing them about the high risk of contracting coronavirus.

Since the residents are expected to be stationary in their respective places, the SMS will only be sent to them once during the campaign period.

On the other hand, people who will be moving in those areas will be notified about the high risk of that particular area and will be requested to follow the standard health advisory.

Such an SMS notification will be sent out only once in 24 hours to an individual who had entered into one of the risky areas that are part of the experiment. However, if that individual enters another risky area, the individual will get a fresh alert SMS for that area, they said.

It has been observed that some of us are taking relaxed approach towards this dangerous disease, creating risk of spreading the virus among the masses. Against this backdrop, Robi's data analytics based real-time SMS alert notification is expected to stimulate a higher sense of alertness among all of us, especially for the people moving around in this shutdown. The project will be scaled up gradually based on the outcome of the experimental launch.