Purdue to test emergency text messaging

West Lafayette, Ind. -- Purdue University plans to test emergency text messaging next week in what's believed the first such U.S. study designed to generate independent data.

Researchers will send a test text message to a broad cross section of the campus population about 11:25 a.m. Monday to analyze message speed and dependability.

Those who register for the test will also receive future emergency text messages from the university concerning issues of public safety.

More than 7,200 cell phone users have signed up to receive the messages, but more are needed, said Scott Ksander, Purdue's executive director of information technology networks and security.

Those who register by Friday will be asked to respond so researchers can determine when each individual received the text.

"We know we can very quickly send a message, but the question is how long will it take the vendor to deliver it?" said Ksander. "Some promised to deliver 18,000 messages per minute, but the only proven record was 200-300 per minute. Having good, independent data will help us choose the best system, and even to refine it."

The university said it plans to only send emergency messages and will not share the cell phone list with others.

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Copyright 2007 by United Press International.