The future of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) is shifting towards software-based solutions. This comes as one of two major hardware suppliers, Sage Alerting Systems, exits the market due to supply chain challenges. The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has petitioned the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to amend regulations requiring dedicated hardware encoder/decoder devices for processing emergency alerts. “The current legacy ecosystem is not sustainable,” the NAB stated in its petition to the FCC, filed March 31.
Sage serves approximately 90% of radio stations, all Primary Entry Point stations and many television and cable providers. The NAB’s proposed software-based approach would leverage existing broadcast hardware, mirroring broader industry trends. “EAS is the last link in modern broadcast air chains that remains stuck in a hardware world,” the NAB argued in its May reply comments.
The NAB highlights operational improvements beyond addressing supply chain issues. A software-based system would “greatly improve EAS resiliency and operational readiness” by minimizing downtime and streamlining security updates. It would also enable immediate failover to redundant systems, a crucial improvement during disasters. The NAB's presentation detailed how software would “enhance near-real time automated system monitoring” and improve message routing.
The proposed architecture would integrate the EAS encoder/decoder directly into the playout system, though legacy receivers would remain for alert distribution. The NAB emphasizes three implementation principles: voluntary participation, backward/forward compatibility, and no reduction in EAS security. This proposal aligns with the FCC’s “Delete, Delete, Delete” proceeding, aiming to remove outdated regulations.
While the proposal enjoys support from various sectors, Digital Alert Systems, the remaining major hardware vendor, voiced concerns about certification, cybersecurity, and implementation complexity. “We have encountered what amounts to a zero-sum, ‘our way or the highway’ posture,” Digital Alert Systems wrote. The Broadcast Warning Working Group also expressed reservations about the rapid transition timeline and lack of industry consultation.
Technical questions remain regarding FCC certification for software-based systems. Digital Alert Systems also raised intellectual property concerns. Despite ceasing hardware production, Sage Alerting Systems supports the software transition. “The time for a software-only option has come,” stated Harold Price, president of Sage Alerting Systems.
The NAB emphasizes the urgency created by Sage’s exit, potentially creating supply constraints. Software-based systems would “help avoid supply-chain problems” and facilitate EAS upgrades, including multilingual alerts. The FCC hasn't indicated when it will act, but FEMA reportedly endorses the software approach. The NAB concludes the proposal “is appropriate for prompt FCC consideration” and that “a voluntary software-based model will benefit the public, FCC, and EAS participants.”