Revised Alerting Rules Start Wednesday, FCC Reminds Carriers

The FCC reminded carriers Tuesday of revised rules for wireless emergency alerts, approved in 2016 (see 1609290060), which take effect Wednesday. The order increased the maximum length of WEA messages from 90 to 360 characters for 4G LTE and future networks, created a new class of alerts -- public safety messages -- to “convey essential recommended actions that can save lives or property,” such as information on emergency shelter locations or boil water orders, and requires carriers to send out alerts in Spanish. The order also requires presenting the message on the device as soon as it's received. The FCC “adopted these improvements to help communities communicate clearly and effectively about imminent threats and local crises, and to create a framework that would allow emergency managers to test, exercise, and raise public awareness about WEA,” said the Public Safety Bureau notice.