Breaking news SMS alerts

Keeping up to date with breaking news while you're on the move is simple with the BBC News SMS alerts service.

All you need to do is register your mobile number with us by texting ALERTS START to 82002 and we'll send you details of major national and international events as soon as they happen.

Each message you receive will cost between 10p and 12p depending on your mobile network and tariff.

Between the hours of 2300 and 0700, you will only hear from us if there is an event of major national significance.

We estimate that you will receive about 12 messages per month, depending on events.

If you want a more frequent or daily service, please see below for details of other services in the market. (Please note this service is for UK users only)

How do I sign up for the service?
Text the words ALERTS START to 82002 to sign up for the service (Note that each SMS message sent to the BBC for this service will cost 10-12p, depending on your network). You will receive a free text message confirming that you have been added successfully.

How do I unsubscribe from the service?
Text the word STOP to 82002 to end your subscription to the service. You will get a text message confirming that you have been removed from the subscription list.

Which phones can get the service?
All phones on UK networks which can send and receive SMS texts should be able to use the service.

How many texts will I get per month?
This will depend on what's happening in the news - but on average you will receive about 12 messages a month.

I've got a text bundle - will the messages be free?

In general, text messages to or from shortcode numbers such as 82002 won't come out of your text bundle (inclusive monthly text messages) so the alerts will cost 10-12p per message. However, you may like to check this with your mobile network operator as the terms and conditions for text bundles vary.

What can I do if I want more alerts?
There are SMS alert services available from other news providers and mobile networks in the market. You can find daily alerts, personalised alerts, alerts on specific topics, etc.

Contact your preferred news provider or mobile network for more details of the services they provide. You can also find out more through by following the links to services listed in the related links section of this page.

What happens if my phone is switched off or in an area without a signal?
The mobile phone network will hold messages for a defined period and keep trying to send them. Depending on the network, this could be 24 hours or longer. Please check with your network for more details of their procedures.

How do I get in touch with you if I have problems with the service?
You can send comments and feedback by SMS to 07764335616 or by email to mobile@bbc.co.uk

Subscriber information: The BBC may contact you in the future for your opinions and views on this service. Participation in any user research is at your discretion and you do not have to take part.