WES Remote Notifications and REACT Basic
SMS vs REACT Basic
Overview
Mobile network providers worldwide are phasing out older 2G and 3G networks. This industry-wide change impacts the ability to dispatch and receive SMS alerts.
To ensure continued, reliable off-site notifications from the WES network, Ramtech recommends using REACT Basic, which securely transmits alarm data to the REACT platform using modern cellular data networks.
Important:
This change does not affect on-site WES alarms, sounders, beacons, or evacuation hardware. All local fire and evacuation notifications continue to operate exactly as before. The update only relates to how alerts are delivered off-site to users
Why data is recommended
REACT Basic sends alarm and system events from the WES network to authorised users via secure data connections rather than SMS.
Using data provides:
- Faster delivery of alerts to multiple users at the same time
- Confirmation, logging, and full traceability of events
- Compatibility with modern 4G networks and future technologies
- A more reliable and scalable notification method for active sites
SMS technology is closely tied to legacy mobile networks and does not provide confirmation or auditability. As networks continue to evolve, data-based communication offers a more robust and future-proof solution.
SMS notifications
SMS alerts are still supported by WES but should now be treated as a backup-only option.
SMS is no longer recommended as a primary alerting method because:
- It relies on 2G and 3G services that are being retired
- Delivery can be delayed or unconfirmed during periods of congestion
- Messages must be sent individually to each recipient
- SMS alerts are not logged or traceable within REACT
For critical site safety notifications, REACT data alerts provide faster delivery, better visibility, and long-term reliability.
Recommended setup
Use the Built-In Ramtech Roaming SIM
Each WES Connect unit is supplied with a pre-installed Ramtech roaming SIM, configured specifically for communication with the REACT platform.
This SIM:
- Automatically connects to the strongest available network
- Roams across multiple carriers to improve reliability
- Uses encrypted communication to the REACT cloud
- Requires no customer configuration
Using the supplied SIM ensures your system remains fully supported and covered under warranty.
SIM cards and support
The SIM card installed in the WES Connect unit is part of the certified system configuration.
Replacing it with a third-party SIM may:
- Prevent communication with the REACT platform
- Stop remote notifications from being delivered
- Affect warranty and technical support eligibility
- Prevent Ramtech from providing diagnostics or assistance
If you experience connectivity issues, Ramtech Support can help troubleshoot and recommend approved solutions without compromising your system.
Firmware requirements
To communicate reliably with REACT, WES Connect units must be running firmware version 1.4.2 or later.
If you are unsure of your firmware version, please contact Ramtech Support at wes@ramtechglobal.com
SMS and REACT Basic at a glance
| SMS Alerts | REACT Basic | |
|---|---|---|
| Network: | 2G / 3G (being phased out) | 4G and beyond |
| Speed: | Can be delayed | Quick dispatch |
| Confirmation: | No delivery confirmation | Send confirmation |
| Multiple users: | Sent one-by-one | Alerted simultaneously |
| Visibility: | No audit trail | Full event log in REACT |
| Long-term viability: | Declining | Designed for the future |
Recommendation: Use REACT Basic as your primary method for remote notifications.
FAQ’s
No. All on-site WES alarms, sounders, beacons, and evacuation devices continue to operate exactly as before. This change only affects how alerts are sent off-site to users.
No. SMS alerts are still supported, but they are no longer recommended as the primary alerting method. Mobile network operators are retiring 2G and 3G services, which SMS relies on, making long-term reliability uncertain.
Data-based alerts are faster, can notify multiple users at the same time, provide confirmation of delivery, and create a full audit trail within REACT. SMS messages do not offer delivery confirmation or traceability and may be delayed during network congestion.
Ramtech recommends REACT data notifications as the primary method for critical site safety alerts.
The SIM card supplied with the WES Connect unit forms part of the certified and tested system configuration. REACT will not operate with a third-party SIM. Replacing the supplied SIM may prevent communication with the REACT platform and could invalidate system certification, warranty and technical support. For performance, compliance and reliability, only the approved SIM provided with the unit should be used.
If you experience connectivity issues, please contact Ramtech Support. Our team can help diagnose the issue and recommend approved solutions without compromising your system.
REACT Basic is ideal for smaller or short-term sites that need reliable alerts without complex configuration. For larger or more complex environments that require advanced workflows, integrations, and detailed site intelligence, the full REACT platform may be more suitable.
You can view a full side-by-side breakdown of features in the REACT Basic vs REACT Comparison Document, available here:
Summary
- Mobile networks are retiring 2G and 3G services
- SMS alerts are becoming less reliable across the industry
- REACT Basic uses secure data communication for faster, traceable alerts
- On-site WES alarms and evacuation hardware are not affected
- The supplied roaming SIM must always be used
REACT Basic ensures continuity and reliability for remote notifications as network technology evolves.
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