1. 1 FCC Actions in Support of Homeland Security and Emergency Alert and Warning A Presentation for The ANSI Homeland Security Standards Panel Emergency Communications Workshop December 14, 2005

2. 2 Homeland Security Mission Develop policies that promote access to effective communications services in emergency situations by public safety, health, defense, and other emergency personnel, as well as all consumers in need. Develop policies that promote access to effective communications services in emergency situations by public safety, health, defense, and other emergency personnel, as well as all consumers in need. Evaluate and strengthen measures for protecting the Nation’s critical communications infrastructure. Evaluate and strengthen measures for protecting the Nation’s critical communications infrastructure. Facilitate rapid restoration of the U.S. communications infrastructure and facilities after disruption by any cause. Facilitate rapid restoration of the U.S. communications infrastructure and facilities after disruption by any cause. Participate in international organizations and conferences to coordinate protection of the global communications infrastructure. Participate in international organizations and conferences to coordinate protection of the global communications infrastructure. Coordinate with industry and other federal, state, tribal, and local agencies on matters of public safety, homeland security, and disaster management. Coordinate with industry and other federal, state, tribal, and local agencies on matters of public safety, homeland security, and disaster management.

3. 3 OHS Programs Inter-agency Coordination Inter-agency Coordination Inter-Bureau Coordination Inter-Bureau Coordination NS/EP Program Management NS/EP Program Management Crisis Management Crisis Management 24/7 Communications Center 24/7 Communications Center Emergency Operating Center Emergency Operating Center Emergency Alert System Program Management Emergency Alert System Program Management

4. 4 EAS Role The Emergency Alert System serves as the primary national warning system that exists to provide the President of the United States with a means to address the nation during a national crisis. The Emergency Alert System serves as the primary national warning system that exists to provide the President of the United States with a means to address the nation during a national crisis. It is also used by some state and local officials to issue warning messages of imminent or ongoing hazards in specific regions. It is also used by some state and local officials to issue warning messages of imminent or ongoing hazards in specific regions. The EAS is composed of all radio and television stations and cable systems and requires that they use a common EAS protocol to send an receive emergency alerts. The EAS is composed of all radio and television stations and cable systems and requires that they use a common EAS protocol to send an receive emergency alerts. EAS is part of an overall public alert and warning system co- administered by the FCC, FEMA and NOAA. EAS is part of an overall public alert and warning system co- administered by the FCC, FEMA and NOAA.

5. 5 EAS Order and NPRM Prior to the First Report and Order, only analog radio and television stations, and wired and wireless cable television systems were subject to the Commission’s Part 11 EAS rules. Prior to the First Report and Order, only analog radio and television stations, and wired and wireless cable television systems were subject to the Commission’s Part 11 EAS rules. The First Report and Order does not change the requirements imposed on these services, and in fact, the rules that the Commission amended are based upon these existing obligations. The First Report and Order does not change the requirements imposed on these services, and in fact, the rules that the Commission amended are based upon these existing obligations. In the First Report and Order in this docket, the Commission expands the reach of EAS, as currently constituted, to cover digital communications technologies that are increasingly being used by the American public to receive news and entertainment — digital television and radio, digital cable, and satellite television and radio. In the First Report and Order in this docket, the Commission expands the reach of EAS, as currently constituted, to cover digital communications technologies that are increasingly being used by the American public to receive news and entertainment — digital television and radio, digital cable, and satellite television and radio.

6. 6 Digital Television Digital television (DTV) broadcasters must comply with the Commission’s Part 11 EAS rules by December 31, 2006. Digital television (DTV) broadcasters must comply with the Commission’s Part 11 EAS rules by December 31, 2006.. DTV broadcasters must participate in all national EAS activations. National EAS Alerts. DTV broadcasters must participate in all national EAS activations.. Participation in state and local EAS activations will be voluntary, but DTV broadcasters that choose to participate must comply with the Part 11 rules. State/Local EAS Alerts. Participation in state and local EAS activations will be voluntary, but DTV broadcasters that choose to participate must comply with the Part 11 rules. Testing. DTV providers must participate in and keep records of the same weekly and monthly tests that are required of analog television broadcasters. Testing. DTV providers must participate in and keep records of the same weekly and monthly tests that are required of analog television broadcasters. Other Compliance Requirements. Other Compliance Requirements. DTV broadcasters will be required to install encoder/decoder (ENDEC) units so that the monitoring and transmitting functions are available during the times stations are in operation. DTV broadcasters will be required to install encoder/decoder (ENDEC) units so that the monitoring and transmitting functions are available during the times stations are in operation. When a DTV broadcaster participates in EAS activations, it must provide the EAS message to viewers of all program streams that the DTV broadcaster provides over a particular channel. When a DTV broadcaster participates in EAS activations, it must provide the EAS message to viewers of all program streams that the DTV broadcaster provides over a particular channel.

7. 7 Digital Cable Digital cable systems must comply with the Commission’s Part 11 EAS rules by December 31, 2006. Digital cable systems must comply with the Commission’s Part 11 EAS rules by December 31, 2006. National EAS Alerts. Digital cable systems must participate in all national EAS activations. National EAS Alerts. Digital cable systems must participate in all national EAS activations. State/Local EAS Alerts. Participation in state and local EAS activations will be voluntary, but digital cable systems that choose to participate must comply with the Part 11 rules. State/Local EAS Alerts. Participation in state and local EAS activations will be voluntary, but digital cable systems that choose to participate must comply with the Part 11 rules. Testing. Digital cable systems must participate in and keep records of the same weekly and monthly tests that are required of analog cable systems. Testing. Digital cable systems must participate in and keep records of the same weekly and monthly tests that are required of analog cable systems. Other Compliance Requirements. Other Compliance Requirements. Digital cable systems may determine the method they will use to distribute EAS messages as long as all viewers receive the complete EAS message on the channel that they are watching. Digital cable systems may determine the method they will use to distribute EAS messages as long as all viewers receive the complete EAS message on the channel that they are watching. For example, digital cable systems may transmit EAS messages on all digital channels or transmit EAS messages on a single channel and force tune all receivers to that channel. For example, digital cable systems may transmit EAS messages on all digital channels or transmit EAS messages on a single channel and force tune all receivers to that channel. Small Cable Systems Small Cable Systems Digital cable systems with fewer than 5,000 subscribers must, like similarly sized analog and wireless cable systems, provide a video interruption and an audio alert message on all channels and the EAS message on at least one channel. Digital cable systems with fewer than 5,000 subscribers must, like similarly sized analog and wireless cable systems, provide a video interruption and an audio alert message on all channels and the EAS message on at least one channel.

8. 8 Digital Audio Broadcasting Digital audio broadcast (DAB) providers must comply with the Commission’s Part 11 EAS rules by December 31, 2006. Digital audio broadcast (DAB) providers must comply with the Commission’s Part 11 EAS rules by December 31, 2006. National EAS Alerts. DAB broadcasters must participate in all national EAS activations. National EAS Alerts. DAB broadcasters must participate in all national EAS activations. State/Local EAS Alerts. Participation in state and local EAS activations will be voluntary, but DAB broadcasters that choose to participate must comply with the Part 11 rules. State/Local EAS Alerts. Participation in state and local EAS activations will be voluntary, but DAB broadcasters that choose to participate must comply with the Part 11 rules. Testing. DAB providers must participate in and keep records of the same weekly and monthly tests that are required of analog radio broadcasters Testing. DAB providers must participate in and keep records of the same weekly and monthly tests that are required of analog radio broadcasters Other Compliance Requirements. Other Compliance Requirements. DAB broadcasters must transmit all EAS messages that they air on all audio streams. DAB broadcasters must transmit all EAS messages that they air on all audio streams.

9. 9 Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service (SDARS) Satellite digital audio radio service (SDARS) licensees must comply with The Commission’s Part 11 EAS rules by December 31, 2006. Satellite digital audio radio service (SDARS) licensees must comply with The Commission’s Part 11 EAS rules by December 31, 2006. National EAS Alerts. SDARS licensees must participate in all national EAS activations. National EAS Alerts. SDARS licensees must participate in all national EAS activations. State/Local EAS Alerts. Participation in state and local EAS activations will be voluntary. State/Local EAS Alerts. Participation in state and local EAS activations will be voluntary. SDARS licensees that choose to participate must comply with the Part 11 rules. SDARS licensees that choose to participate must comply with the Part 11 rules. SDARS licensees are required to inform their customers of the channels that will and will not be capable of supplying state and local EAS messages. This information should be provided on the SDARS licensee’s website and also distributed in writing to customers at least annually. SDARS licensees are required to inform their customers of the channels that will and will not be capable of supplying state and local EAS messages. This information should be provided on the SDARS licensee’s website and also distributed in writing to customers at least annually. Testing. SDARS licensees will be required to test their ability to receive and distribute EAS messages in the same manner required of other EAS participants and must keep records of all tests. Testing. SDARS licensees will be required to test their ability to receive and distribute EAS messages in the same manner required of other EAS participants and must keep records of all tests. Other Compliance Requirements. Other Compliance Requirements. SDARS licensees must transmit national level EAS messages on all channels. SDARS licensees must transmit national level EAS messages on all channels. SDARS licensees must receive national EAS messages through an ENDEC unit, from which they must directly monitor at least two sources, including one Primary Entry Point station, or must directly monitor the Federal Emergency Management Agency. SDARS licensees must receive national EAS messages through an ENDEC unit, from which they must directly monitor at least two sources, including one Primary Entry Point station, or must directly monitor the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

10. 10 Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) Direct broadcast satellite (DBS) providers must comply with the Commission’s EAS rules by May 31, 2007. Direct broadcast satellite (DBS) providers must comply with the Commission’s EAS rules by May 31, 2007. National EAS Alerts. DBS providers must participate in all national EAS activations by discontinuing regular programming and providing the national EAS message to viewers of all channels. National EAS Alerts. DBS providers must participate in all national EAS activations by discontinuing regular programming and providing the national EAS message to viewers of all channels. State/Local EAS Alerts. Participation in state and local EAS activations will be voluntary. State/Local EAS Alerts. Participation in state and local EAS activations will be voluntary. DBS providers will be required to pass through all EAS messages aired on local channels to subscribers receiving those channels. DBS providers will be required to pass through all EAS messages aired on local channels to subscribers receiving those channels. DBS providers must also be capable of receiving (from state and local emergency managers) and distributing state and local EAS messages or they must disclose their inability to do so on their website and in writing to their customers at least annually. DBS providers must also be capable of receiving (from state and local emergency managers) and distributing state and local EAS messages or they must disclose their inability to do so on their website and in writing to their customers at least annually.

11. 11 Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) (cont.) Other Compliance Requirements. Other Compliance Requirements. DBS providers must install equipment capable of encoding and decoding the EAS protocol and generating and detecting all EAS codes. DBS providers must install equipment capable of encoding and decoding the EAS protocol and generating and detecting all EAS codes. DBS providers may install this equipment at the location most convenient to their system designs. DBS providers may install this equipment at the location most convenient to their system designs. Providers must also monitor two EAS sources upon receipt of an emergency action notification and ensure that their EAS monitoring equipment is operational. Providers must also monitor two EAS sources upon receipt of an emergency action notification and ensure that their EAS monitoring equipment is operational.

12. 12 Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) (cont.) Testing Testing DBS licensees will be required to test their ability to receive and distribute EAS messages in the same manner required of other EAS participants and must keep records of all tests. DBS licensees will be required to test their ability to receive and distribute EAS messages in the same manner required of other EAS participants and must keep records of all tests. DBS providers must conduct monthly EAS tests on at least 10 percent of the total channels they provide. DBS providers must conduct monthly EAS tests on at least 10 percent of the total channels they provide. The total number of channels should not include those channels that the DBS provider passes through with the embedded national, state or local EAS message. The total number of channels should not include those channels that the DBS provider passes through with the embedded national, state or local EAS message. The channels tested should vary each month, so that over the course of a year all channels are tested. The channels tested should vary each month, so that over the course of a year all channels are tested. DBS providers must log receipt of weekly tests in their records. DBS providers must log receipt of weekly tests in their records. The Commission did not adopt specific weekly transmission testing requirements for DBS in its First Report and Order. However, the Commission is considering whether such requirements should be imposed. The Commission did not adopt specific weekly transmission testing requirements for DBS in its First Report and Order. However, the Commission is considering whether such requirements should be imposed.

13. 13 Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) seeks specific comments on what actions the Commission should take to help expedite the development of a more effective, comprehensive, digitally-based public alert and warning system. Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) seeks specific comments on what actions the Commission should take to help expedite the development of a more effective, comprehensive, digitally-based public alert and warning system. FNPRM includes a representative sample of issues for parties to address. The issues do not constitute an exclusive list. Parties can – and should – comment on any next generation issues. FNPRM includes a representative sample of issues for parties to address. The issues do not constitute an exclusive list. Parties can – and should – comment on any next generation issues.

14. 14 System Architecture/Message Distribution. Replace current distribution system with point-to-multi-point distribution system? Replace current distribution system with point-to-multi-point distribution system? Does a Satellite-based system constitute a better backbone? Does a Satellite-based system constitute a better backbone? Internet – inherently robust, what role should it serve in distribution of alerts and warnings? Internet – inherently robust, what role should it serve in distribution of alerts and warnings? Role for Legacy system? Role for Legacy system? AM Radio based system AM Radio based system Worst case back up? Worst case back up?

15. 15 Common Messaging Protocols Goal - Ubiquitous, cross-platform distribution of alert and warnings Goal - Ubiquitous, cross-platform distribution of alert and warnings Requires a common messaging protocol Requires a common messaging protocol Common Alerting Protocol (CAP). Should CAP be adopted as the common messaging protocol for any future digitally-based alert system? Common Alerting Protocol (CAP). Should CAP be adopted as the common messaging protocol for any future digitally-based alert system? Would it allow simultaneous distribution to radio, television, and wireless media such as mobile telephones and PDAs? Would it allow simultaneous distribution to radio, television, and wireless media such as mobile telephones and PDAs? Follow FEMA Trials. Follow FEMA Trials.

16. 16 Particular Technologies SDARs/DBS SDARs/DBS Should DBS and SDARS providers be required to deliver state and local messages? Should DBS and SDARS providers be required to deliver state and local messages? Most EAS alerts are local; the ability to deliver a state or local message is an essential element of an effective alert and warning system. Most EAS alerts are local; the ability to deliver a state or local message is an essential element of an effective alert and warning system. How can technologies underlying DBS and SDARS, which are designed to receive and deliver national programming, deliver local alerts? How can technologies underlying DBS and SDARS, which are designed to receive and deliver national programming, deliver local alerts? Whether the Commission should adopt weekly test transmission requirements for DBS providers and, if so, what those requirements should be. Whether the Commission should adopt weekly test transmission requirements for DBS providers and, if so, what those requirements should be.

17. 17 Particular Technologies Wireless products/services Wireless products/services What further steps should the Commission take to facilitate wireless provision of alert and warning? What further steps should the Commission take to facilitate wireless provision of alert and warning? Should the Commission require wireless carriers to provide alerts and warnings? How? Should the Commission require wireless carriers to provide alerts and warnings? How? Point-to-multi-point, or cell broadcast approach to wireless alert and warning? Point-to-multi-point, or cell broadcast approach to wireless alert and warning? SMS? SMS? Other technologies that enable wireless handsets to receive EAS alerts? Other technologies that enable wireless handsets to receive EAS alerts? Commission will be working with FEMA to see how these work in various pilot projects Commission will be working with FEMA to see how these work in various pilot projects

18. 18 Particular Technologies Wireline Telcos as Content Providers Wireline Telcos as Content Providers Traditional telephone companies wish to bring high definition digital content to customers’ homes through fiber optic connections. Traditional telephone companies wish to bring high definition digital content to customers’ homes through fiber optic connections. Under these circumstances, should telephone companies have public alert and warning responsibilities similar to other news and entertainment providers? Under these circumstances, should telephone companies have public alert and warning responsibilities similar to other news and entertainment providers?

19. 19 Performance Standards Will standards be necessary to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of messages delivered across multiple platforms? Will standards be necessary to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of messages delivered across multiple platforms? Length of time it takes to get a particular message Length of time it takes to get a particular message Accuracy of the message. Accuracy of the message. Commission role Commission role Development? Development? Enforcement? Enforcement? Reporting obligations for providers of alert and warning? Reporting obligations for providers of alert and warning? Monitoring by third parties to ensure compliance? Monitoring by third parties to ensure compliance?

20. 20 Coordination with State and Local Governments Use of EAS during recent hurricanes Use of EAS during recent hurricanes Non-weather – not used Non-weather – not used Vital connection between state and local alert and warning and Federal efforts to mitigate disasters. Vital connection between state and local alert and warning and Federal efforts to mitigate disasters. Seek comment on whether our rules should be amended to require EAS participants to transmit EAS messages issued by the governor(s) of the state(s) in which they provide service. Seek comment on whether our rules should be amended to require EAS participants to transmit EAS messages issued by the governor(s) of the state(s) in which they provide service. Seek comment on how we can best work with the states to help implement the EAS rules we adopt today as well as to develop the next generation of alert and warning systems. Seek comment on how we can best work with the states to help implement the EAS rules we adopt today as well as to develop the next generation of alert and warning systems. Seek comment on whether our rules should be revised to Seek comment on whether our rules should be revised to Require that states notify the Commission of any changes in EAS participants’ designation within thirty days of such change. Require that states notify the Commission of any changes in EAS participants’ designation within thirty days of such change. Yearly confirmation that all state EAS Local Area and EAS designations remain the same Yearly confirmation that all state EAS Local Area and EAS designations remain the same

21. 21 Accessibility to Persons with Disabilities - Legacy system Rules require EAS alerts to be accessible to people with disabilities. Rules require EAS alerts to be accessible to people with disabilities. Perceived “disconnect” between the generic information contained in the digital header codes and the information contained in the audio portion of the EAS message. Perceived “disconnect” between the generic information contained in the digital header codes and the information contained in the audio portion of the EAS message. Suggested solution: supply by the EAS message originator of textual as well as audio EAS message. Notice encourages this. Suggested solution: supply by the EAS message originator of textual as well as audio EAS message. Notice encourages this. Absent such action, should Commission revise EAS rules to require all video programming distributors subject to the Commission’s Part 11 rules to provide the same information in both the visual and aural versions of all EAS messages. Absent such action, should Commission revise EAS rules to require all video programming distributors subject to the Commission’s Part 11 rules to provide the same information in both the visual and aural versions of all EAS messages. Closed captioning or other methods of visual presentation Closed captioning or other methods of visual presentation real time transcriptions real time transcriptions Audio feed that duplicates any text portion of an EAS alert? Audio feed that duplicates any text portion of an EAS alert? Other visual elements (weather map) Should parties subject to the Commission’s EAS rules be required to describe such visual portions? Other visual elements (weather map) Should parties subject to the Commission’s EAS rules be required to describe such visual portions?

22. 22 Accessibility to Persons with Disabilities – Next Generation System How next-generation, digitally-based alert and warning system can be developed in a manner that assures that persons with disabilities will be given equal access to alert and warning as other Americans. How next-generation, digitally-based alert and warning system can be developed in a manner that assures that persons with disabilities will be given equal access to alert and warning as other Americans. Opportunity to develop a system from the outset. Opportunity to develop a system from the outset. Incorporate the Commission’s existing disability access rules into the development of a more comprehensive EAS? Incorporate the Commission’s existing disability access rules into the development of a more comprehensive EAS? Can a digitally-based alert and warning system take advantage of TRS and other Commission Can a digitally-based alert and warning system take advantage of TRS and other Commission

23. 23 Multilingual EAS Messages Commission’s rules provide that EAS announcements may be made in the same language as the primary language of the station. Commission’s rules provide that EAS announcements may be made in the same language as the primary language of the station. In the EAS NPRM, the Commission sought comment on whether current methods of providing alerts and warnings to non-English speaking persons are adequate and, if not, what additional provisions are necessary In the EAS NPRM, the Commission sought comment on whether current methods of providing alerts and warnings to non-English speaking persons are adequate and, if not, what additional provisions are necessary Most commenters stated that the current rule in this area is adequate, and that determination of which language is the “primary” language of the station should be left to the station and/or communities’ discretion. Most commenters stated that the current rule in this area is adequate, and that determination of which language is the “primary” language of the station should be left to the station and/or communities’ discretion. Commenters suggested various ways to improve EAS to better reach individuals with language barriers such as use of a Media Common Alert Protocol, and manufacturing EAS equipment with language translators Commenters suggested various ways to improve EAS to better reach individuals with language barriers such as use of a Media Common Alert Protocol, and manufacturing EAS equipment with language translators On September 22, 2005, the Independent Spanish Broadcasters Association, the Office of Communication of the United Church of Christ, Inc., and the Minority Media and Telecommunications Council filed a Petition for Immediate Relief with the Commission On September 22, 2005, the Independent Spanish Broadcasters Association, the Office of Communication of the United Church of Christ, Inc., and the Minority Media and Telecommunications Council filed a Petition for Immediate Relief with the Commission

24. 24 Multilingual EAS Messages The Petition requested that the Commission require: The Petition requested that the Commission require: EAS PEP stations to air Presidential messages in English and Spanish. EAS PEP stations to air Presidential messages in English and Spanish. State and local EAS plans to designate a “Local Primary Spanish” (“LPS’) station in local areas where a substantial proportion of the population has its primary fluency in Spanish. State and local EAS plans to designate a “Local Primary Spanish” (“LPS’) station in local areas where a substantial proportion of the population has its primary fluency in Spanish. State and local EAS plans to designate a “Local Primary Multilingual” (“LP-M) station in local areas where a substantial proportion of the population has its primary fluency in other languages. State and local EAS plans to designate a “Local Primary Multilingual” (“LP-M) station in local areas where a substantial proportion of the population has its primary fluency in other languages. At least one broadcast station in every market to monitor and rebroadcast emergency alerts carried by local LP-S and LP-M stations At least one broadcast station in every market to monitor and rebroadcast emergency alerts carried by local LP-S and LP-M stations Stations remaining on the air during an emergency would broadcast emergency information in Spanish and in languages used on local LP-S and LP-M stations if these stations lose transmission capability. Stations remaining on the air during an emergency would broadcast emergency information in Spanish and in languages used on local LP-S and LP-M stations if these stations lose transmission capability. All broadcasters would be encouraged to assist local LP-S and LP-M stations to return to the air under such circumstances All broadcasters would be encouraged to assist local LP-S and LP-M stations to return to the air under such circumstances The Commission incorporated the petition and pleadings filed in response into the record The Commission incorporated the petition and pleadings filed in response into the record

25. 25 Contact Information: Gregory Cooke Deputy Director, Office of Homeland Security Enforcement Bureau Federal Communications Commission 202-418-2351gregory.cooke@fcc.gov