A precautionary measure against wireless phone-triggered Improvised
Explosive Devices (IEDs) is described that forces premature detonation of
the IED at a safe location, such as a position in advance of a convoy of
vehicles or troops, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the IED.
Embodiments of the invention provide for transmitting low power alerting
signals (e.g., paging, ringing, message waiting, text messages) from a
wireless terminal residing on a mobile platform that is operable to
navigate a transportation path in advance of a prospective target, to
mobile stations within close proximity of the platform defining an "IED
detonation zone." In such manner, mobile stations within the IED
detonation zone that are IED triggering devices (as well as mobile
stations that are not IED triggering devices) will receive the alerting
signals, thereby forcing premature detonation of IEDs in the detonation
zone.