11 February
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Celebrating
112 day
Safeguarding
Europe with
Innovation
Every year on February 11, Europe marks 112 Day to honor the emergency number that connects citizens to life-saving services. Dialing 112 offers quick access to police, medical, and fire services across EU countries, helping save countless lives. But beyond the number lies a robust network of people and systems working tirelessly to keep communities informed and safe.
One such company making a difference is our customer mecom, a leader in safety-critical communications and applications. Their cutting-edge technology ensures that life-protecting messages reach people when they matter most. Here's how mecom is playing its part in supporting public safety and the role advanced satellite technology plays in their impactful solutions.
What Makes
the 112 Emergency
Number Vital?
Introduced in 1991, 112 is more than just a convenience — it's a lifeline. Available in all 27 EU countries (and beyond), dialing 112 ensures emergency help is just a call away. It's free, works from mobile or landlines, and operates in multiple languages — making it essential for Europe's residents and visitors alike.
Since its creation, organizations like the European Emergency Number Association (eena) have worked to promote the importance of 112 and enhance emergency response systems. Yet, behind the scenes, ensuring the effectiveness of such services requires sophisticated tools and companies dedicated to safety innovation.
Meet mecom: Pioneers in Public Safety Communication
Founded in Hamburg in 1989, mecom is a trusted name in fail-safe communication.
Originally established as a hub for news agencies, the company has grown to develop solutions that serve public authorities, businesses, and emergency services.
mecom, is a member of eena ( European Emergency Number Association), a non-profit organization based in Brussels, dedicated to improving emergency response services across Europe, particularly through the 112 emergency number. mecom's involvement with EENA highlights its role in safety-critical communications and applications and its commitment to enhancing warning infrastructure at an international level.
At the heart of mecom's offerings is MoWaS (Modular Warning System), a state-of-the-art warning infrastructure commissioned by Germany's Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance. MoWaS is used nationwide to broadcast urgent life-saving warnings about events ranging from severe weather to terrorism and epidemics.
But what makes MoWaS truly reliable is its use of satellite technology, a game-changer for emergency communications.
FAST FACTS ABOUT MoWaS
Operates across 400 locations in Germany.
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Issues warnings through multiple channels such as TV, radio, apps, and digital billboards.
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Cell Broadcast technology delivers alerts directly to mobile phones within seconds, without requiring apps or internet connectivity.
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Over 3,400 alerts were sent in 2022 alone, safeguarding millions.
Why Satellite Technology Matters in Emergencies
When disasters strike, traditional communication networks like mobile towers or internet infrastructure are often the first to fail. This is where satellite technology shines — it bypasses terrestrial channels, ensuring uninterrupted transmission of life-saving warnings.
mecom’s satellite-backed system brings a host of benefits:
- Fail-Safe Reliability: Alerts are delivered even if power or mobile networks go down.
- Tamper-Proof Communication: The satellite connection ensures secure, unaltered signals.
- Wide Accessibility: Messages reach not just city hubs but also rural and remote areas.
- Simultaneity: All messages reach recipients simultaneously and without delay.
Through its partnership with ST Engineering iDirect and SatService GmbH, mecom uses an advanced IP-based satellite platform to ensure seamless operations. This system makes their early warning services one of the most robust and scalable in Europe.
A Safer Europe, One 112 Call at a Time
The success of MoWaS speaks volumes about the importance of investing in reliable warning systems. Messages sent by MoWaS have helped mitigate various hazards, including:
- Alerting neighborhoods during chemical spills or WW2 bomb discoveries.
- Keeping residents informed in real- time.
- Evacuation instructions during floods, fires, and extreme weather events.
Germany's government has also empowered both local and central authorities to use MoWaS, ensuring communities stay informed no matter where they are. Recognizing its success, mecom is now aiming to roll its own warning technology across other European countries — a move that could revolutionize public safety continent-wide.
Real-World
Impact of mecom's
Technology
112 Day isn’t just about celebrating an emergency number; it’s about acknowledging the efforts that make public safety possible. Companies like mecom stand as a testament to what’s achievable when innovation meets responsibility.
With systems like MoWaS and satellite technology leading the charge, mecom doesn’t just help Germany — they pave the way for safer, better-prepared communities across Europe. Whether it's a natural disaster, manmade hazard, or a call for help on 112, the collaboration between emergency services and innovators is saving lives every day.
On this 112 Day, let’s not only appreciate the number but also recognize the technology, processes, and people working behind the scenes to keep us safe. Because in moments of crisis, seconds matter — and mecom ensures every second counts.
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