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Robi initiates real-time SMS-based Corona alert service

Dhaka, 20 April 2020: Using advanced data analytics solutions, Robi Axiata Limited has come up with a unique solution to send out SMS-based Corona alert service in parts of Dhaka.

Due to the real-time nature of the SMS alert, this notification is designed to trigger a heightened mental awareness about highly contagious Corona virus among the people who are having to move around the city. The smartphone users of both, the Robi and the Airtel customers will get to avail this service. No charges will be applicable for availing the service.

Starting from today the experimental solution is being piloted in some parts of Dhaka. Residents of the areas which is covered by the experiment will receive an SMS notification informing them about the high risk of contracting Corona virus in that area due to the high number of confirmed cases of Corona patients as declared by IEDCR. 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 to those areas will be notified about the high risk of that particular area and will be requested to follow the standard Corona related health advisory. Such an SMS notification will be sent out only once in 24 hrs to an individual who had entered into one of the risky areas that are part of the experiment. However, if that individual enters into another risky area, the individual will get a fresh alert SMS for that area.

It has been observed that some of us are taking relaxed approach towards this dangerous disease, creating risk of spreading Corona among mass people. In 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 lock-down situation. The project will be scaled up gradually based on the outcome of the experimental launch.