All mobile phones within Australia will have access to a new text message emergency warning system by the start of summer next year.

Optus announced on Saturday that it had signed on to the system, which will provide SMS warnings to phones in designated emergency zones around the country.

Telstra customers will be able to receive warning messages by November of this year, while Vodafone and Optus will have access in November 2013.

The Victorian Government led negotiations with the companies on behalf of all states and territories.

Victorian Emergency Services Commissioner Michael Hallowes says it is a great achievement.

"From November 2013, all three companies will be able to send a message to any mobile within the area that's at risk, whether that mobile [is with] someone travelling, someone at home or someone who's a visitor to Australia," he said.

Mr Hallowes says he is confident the states and territories will pitch in to the cost of establishing the system.

"The Victorian Government will be asking the states and territiories to now contribute to the delivery of emergency alert," he said.

"Whilst we have the money in the bank from Commonwealth and from Victoria, it would be very good now to have a contribution [from the states and territories] to see that across the line."