The FCC reminded commercial mobile service providers participating in wireless emergency alerts (WEA) of their obligations beginning May 1. The carriers must now support longer WEA messages, from 90 to 360 characters, for 4G and future networks and support a new class of alerts, called public-safety messages, to convey recommended actions for saving lives or property.

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Carrier must also support Spanish-language alert messages, present WEA messages on mobile devices as soon as they are received, and allow consumers to opt in to receive state and local WEA tests.

State and local agencies should continue to request waivers to conduct end-to-end WEA tests to the public through June 10.

The full notice is here.

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