The FCC is thinking about developing a nationwide emergency alert system that would send out text messages in a crisis, USA Today reports. The system would likely reach more people than current alerts sent over the TV or radio. At CTIA last week, the association’s CEO Steve Largent said there are about 255 million wireless subscribers, which represents 84 percent of U.S. population, and that 48 billion text messages are sent monthly. In this situation, it also helps that people typically have their phones with them all of the time.

As early as today, the FCC is expected to discuss establishing technical standards and other requirements that would make the alerts possible, two FCC officials told USA Today. Carriers would not have to upgrade their networks, but they would have to follow the FCC’s standards. The top four carriers — AT&T (NYSE: T), Verizon (NYSE: VZ), Sprint (NYSE: S) Nextel and T-Mobile — are interested in participating. At first, warnings would be limited to English and 90 characters in length. The messages could be used for incidents, such as severe weather, a terrorist threat or child abduction, and they may be sent regionally or nationwide.