The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced a comprehensive plan to re-evaluate the nation's emergency alerting infrastructure on July 17. The plan questions the ability of decades-old systems to meet current communication needs.
This Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, slated for the FCC's August meeting, marks a fundamental review of both the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). The FCC aims to determine if these systems require redesign to leverage modern technology while maintaining public safety. "Both systems were first introduced many years ago to address specific public needs using the technology that was available at the time," the FCC stated.
The review goes beyond simple improvements, examining core issues such as alerting objectives, authorized senders, transmission capabilities, and public reception methods. Officials suggest the review could lead to significant changes in how emergency information is disseminated. The proposed rulemaking will explore whether alerting systems should guarantee message delivery or utilize a "best effort" approach across multiple platforms. It will also address security measures against cyberattacks and enhance geographic targeting capabilities, aiming to minimize alert fatigue.
The FCC explores expanding authorized alert originators to include utility companies for immediate hazard notifications and investigates machine-to-machine alerting for automatic protective actions. Video messaging capabilities are also a focus, with the FCC requesting cost estimates for nationwide implementation and exploring necessary steps from broadcast and wireless providers.
The FCC acknowledges that traditional alerting platforms might not effectively reach audiences due to shifting media consumption towards streaming services and connected devices. "This shift in consumer behavior indicates that fewer people may be using the platforms through which emergency messages have been traditionally issued," the notice stated. The FCC considers focusing on end-user device capabilities, enabling smart devices to receive alerts directly, regardless of programming. This could offer greater customization and potentially reduce regulatory burdens.
The review comes amidst supply chain pressures in the emergency alerting industry. The National Association of Broadcasters has petitioned the FCC for software-based alerting solutions following Sage Alerting Systems' announcement to cease hardware production. The FCC's notice, however, omits the transition to ATSC 3.0 or NextGen TV broadcasting, despite its enhanced alerting capabilities.
Federal Emergency Management Agency data reveals 4.86 million uses of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System since 2012. While the National Weather Service generates approximately 90% of EAS activations, research indicates that many WEA messages lack crucial information. The FCC seeks input on whether to mandate inclusion of such elements. The commission's inquiry prioritizes evaluating the effectiveness of current systems given technological and behavioral shifts since their implementation. "As part of this examination, we seek comment on how EAS and WEA are working in practice for the public safety authorities who send alerts every day and the public that receives these alerts," the commission stated.
The FCC will accept public comments for 30 days, followed by a 45-day reply comment period. The commission hasn't set a timeline for completing the review or implementing changes. The proceeding operates under "permit-but-disclose" rules requiring public filing of any presentations.