FCC Asks About Technologies for Wireless Alerts When Towers Go Down
The FCC released a public notice Thursday seeking partners to test alternative technologies for wireless emergency alerts when cell towers are disabled during disasters. “The Commission is seeking partners to examine the feasibility of using complementary technologies, such as satellite…
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service, to address this public safety gap,” said Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel: “This initiative is the latest in our ongoing effort to strengthen the nation’s alerting systems, working closely with our government partners.” The Public Safety Bureau notice asks for responses by Dec. 18 in docket 22-160. “WEAs can provide immediate, life-saving information when a mobile device user is in harm’s way,” the notice said. “The utility of this critical tool, however, can be significantly reduced or eliminated when the infrastructure needed to deliver WEAs, such as cell towers, is damaged or disabled due to disaster circumstances.” The bureau said alternate possibilities include satellites, high-altitude platforms systems and drones. The bureau “seeks to partner with any entities that have a technology, method, or other solution for delivering a WEA to a mobile device when the device is not connected to a functioning cell tower.”