AT&T has begun installing wireless presidential alerts on iPhones that can't be disabled
AT&T has begun rolling out Wireless Emergency Alerts updates for iPhone 4S and 5, so you won't be the last folks to know if the entire northern hemisphere is about to be covered in ice à la Day After Tomorrow. You'll receive a notification from the carrier when your update is ready, but only if you're using iOS 6.1 or higher. Once installed, AMBER and Emergency alerts are automatically sent to your phone unless you switch them off via Settings. However, should you be tired of Obama, just know that there's no way to switch off Presidential alerts. WEA messages are always free of charge, so you don't have to worry about going over your texting limit when notified that you need to get the hell out of dodge.
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA): WEA is a new public safety system, which allows wireless customers to receive alert notifications in geographically-targeted areas. WEA was established pursuant to the Warning Alert and Response Network (WARN) Act.
Other names used are Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS) or Personalized Localized Alerting Network (PLAN).
Smartphone subscribers wishing to receive CMAS alerts must download the app. This is available for Android smartphones and coming soon to iTunes for iPhone users. Alerts from apps will be GEO LOCACTION meaning they will receive alerts specific to the location where they are currently located. WEA is a free service.
There are three main types of alerts.
Alerts issued by the President of the United States
Alerts involving imminent threats to safety or life
Amber Alerts
http://www.engadget.com/2013/06/15/att-wireless-emergency-alerts-iphone-4s-5/
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-57589546-94/at-t-adds-wireless-emergency-alerts-update-to-iphones/
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2420547,00.asp