AusAlert National Test & Launch – Partner Information & FAQs
Overview
AusAlert is Australia's new national cell-broadcast emergency warning system, replacing older SMS-based alerts. A single nationwide test fires on 27 July 2026, ahead of full launch on 1 October 2026. This article gives partners the key facts and ready-to-use answers for customer questions before, during, and after the test.
Steps to Prepare for the AusAlert National Test
- Brief your support team on the two alert types (Critical vs Priority) and the key dates in the table below.
- Send customers a short heads-up before 27 July (SMS/email) with their region's local test time, so the siren-like alert doesn't come as a surprise.
- Roster extra support coverage around the local test time in each region, a nationwide, simultaneous, un-silenceable alert reliably generates a short call spike.
- Remind customers to update device software ahead of the test, an outdated OS is the most common reason a device won't receive it.
- Redirect AusAlert feedback or complaints to the official channel (ausalert.gov.au/feedback) rather than logging it as a CommsChannel network fault, this is a government-run system, not a network issue on our end.
- Know the safe response for at-risk customers (e.g. family violence situations, hidden phones), see the FAQ below rather than improvising advice.
Key Notes
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| National Test Date | Monday 27 July 2026 — a single Critical Alert sent to all compatible devices nationwide |
| Test Times by Region | 2:00 pm AEST (ACT, NSW, QLD, TAS, VIC) · 1:30 pm ACST (SA, NT, Broken Hill) · 12:00 pm AWST (WA) |
| AusAlert Launch | 1 October 2026 |
| Alert Types | Critical Alert — highest warning, overrides silent/Do Not Disturb, cannot be turned off. Priority Alert — "watch and act", can be muted in device settings |
| Device Compatibility | iPhone 11+ (iOS 26.4+); Apple Watch Series 2+ / SE2, SE3, Series 6+ (watchOS 26.4+); Android 12+ — worth reconfirming on ausalert.gov.au closer to the test date, as minor version requirements can shift |
| Network Independence | Works on any carrier or MVNO — including CommsMobile — since it's carrier-agnostic and works over active 4G/5G networks regardless of provider |
| Feedback / Complaints | External only — ausalert.gov.au/feedback |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my customer receive the alert?
It's part of the national test of AusAlert, Australia's new emergency warning system. No action is required — it's a test only, and there's no need to call Triple Zero.
Will it work if their phone is on silent or Do Not Disturb?
Yes for a Critical Alert — it's designed to override silent and Do Not Disturb settings. A Priority Alert may not sound if the device is on silent, depending on the customer's settings.
Do customers need to sign up or register?
No. AusAlert is location-based — no sign-up, subscription, or registration is required. If a compatible device is in the affected area, it may receive the alert.
Why might a customer not receive the test alert?
Common reasons: the device was off or in airplane mode, the software is out of date or incompatible, the device wasn't in the alert zone, or there was no mobile signal at the time. Different people nearby may experience the test differently — this is expected and not a fault.
Does this depend on which network the customer is on — will it work on CommsMobile / wholesale SIMs?
Yes. AusAlert uses cell-broadcast technology over active 4G/5G networks and is carrier-agnostic — it works regardless of provider, and can even work without a functioning SIM. Customers on CommsMobile are covered the same as any other network.
What if a customer is worried the alert could put them at risk (e.g. a hidden phone, family violence situation)?
The test may be distressing or raise safety concerns for some people, including those experiencing domestic or family violence or using a hidden device. Reassure the customer this is a known consideration, and advise them they can turn the device off or switch to airplane mode for at least one hour around their region's test time. Direct them to ausalert.gov.au for further safety guidance.
Where do I send feedback or a complaint about AusAlert?
ausalert.gov.au/feedback — this is a government-run channel, not a CommsChannel escalation.
What happens if a customer is on a call when the alert fires?
The alert won't interrupt an active call, but a persistent on-screen notification will remain until acknowledged after the call ends.
Useful links
