FI-Alert will use cell broadcast tech, enabling warnings to be sent directly to people's phones without the need for a separate app.Authorities also use other channels to issue warnings, including the Finnish Broadcasting Company's Yle app, the 112.fi, pelastustoimi.fi and yle.fi websites. File composite photo. Image: Otso Ritonummi / YleYle News13:45Updated 13:56Finland will introduce a new emergency alert system by the end of October to supplement existing warning infrastructure, according to the interior ministry.It said the new FI-Alert system would enable faster and more accurately targeted regional warnings to be sent directly to mobile phones — without the need for an app to be installed.The ministry said it signed an agreement with the Erillisverkot Group about implementing the direct-to-device system last week.FI-Alert will use cell broadcast technology based on the EU Alert concept. The government has fast-tracked its development and provided funding for the system's construction and rollout, the ministry said in a press release issued on Monday."It is very important that we can warn people more quickly and more comprehensively in future. Building the FI-Alert system is a priority for the Ministry of the Interior, and the Government has accelerated the introduction of the new emergency warning system," Interior Minister Mari Rantanen (Finns) said in the release.FI-Alert will complement the country's current emergency warning system, which will also remain in place.Emergency warnings are currently issued through the 112 Suomi app, radio broadcasts, teletext page 112 and, when necessary, television.Authorities also use other channels to issue warnings, including the Finnish Broadcasting Company's Yle app, the 112.fi, pelastustoimi.fi and yle.fi websites, as well as the Emergency Response Centre Agency's Facebook page.Edit note at 13:56 on 1 June 2026: Removed reference in headline to SMS, as cell broadcast technology is different to standard SMS messages.