RSSFCC Chairman Ajit Pai called on wireless carriers and standards bodies to continue the progress they have made toward implementing rules to improve the geographic targeting of wireless emergency alerts (WEAs). He also called on wireless phone companies, the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) to maintain focus on meeting the required implementation date later this year.
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“I’m pleased that private sector standards-setting bodies are making progress toward meeting the vital public-safety goal of improved geotargeting of WEAs,” said Pai. “Recognizing that there is still more work to be done, I urge all principals — from 3GPP and ATIS to the wireless carriers and handset manufacturers — to remain vigilant in their work to ensure that the benefits of enhanced wireless emergency alerts are made available by November. The American people want, expect and deserve the best possible public-safety services — including the most precise targeting available for wireless alerts.”
On Jan. 24, a 3GPP working group achieved a significant milestone by approving technical specifications that will be voted for adoption during 3GPP’s quarterly plenary meeting in March. In addition, ATIS is expected to finalize its standards for improved geotargeting by the end of March. These are important steps in implementing rules the FCC adopted last year to improve the geographic accuracy of WEAs. These rules require participating wireless providers deliver alerts to the areas that match those targeted by public-safety officials with no more than a one-tenth of a mile overshoot by Nov. 30.
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