Time to Act on Enhanced Wireless Alerts, Groups Tell FCC

Public safety and local government groups said the FCC should act on enhanced requirements for wireless emergency alerts. They are seeking upgrades that include improved geo-targeting, multimedia and multilingual alerting, and “many-to-one” feedback. “All of the organizations that have signed on to this letter appreciate the efforts the Commission and the industry have taken thus far but write today, in light of recent emergencies, to underscore the critical need for these improvements to be instituted no later than May of 2019,” the letter said. “Many of the requested enhancements have been under discussion for the last several years, some longer, and it is now time for action.” The Big City Emergency Managers, International Association of Emergency Managers, National Emergency Management Association, U.S. Conference of Mayors and National Emergency Number Association signed the letter, in docket 15-91.