[EAS] EAS CAP and some thoughts

[Clay Freinwald]

In response to the following -

> My concern is this "change" in adding CAP to the EAS.  The most
> prominent aspect currently in my mind (and there are others) has to do
> with the, what I would call, blind reliance on this ubiquitous entity
> called the Internet.

Let us pretend that you are in charge of getting EAS messages (all of whom 
must be in text so as to be able to support - Mobile devices, Broadcasters, 
Highway signs etc etc).   Part of your job is to deliver considerably more 
information that is not possible by the SAME system....ie, you need a bigger 
pipe.

You first do an asset survey -

 What systems are out there that could possibly function as a 
point-multi-point distribution system today?

(Forget the Daisy Chain as no broadcaster wants to be a conduit for this 
volume of information)

Yes, there is EMnet - However, apparently not everyone is willing to pony up 
the costs.

Oh, one more thing -

We have no money - We've spent it all on Social Programs and Wars here and 
there.

What are you going to do ?

You are going to have to look at using the Internet for several reasons -

1- In many cases, it's the only -existing - system that can get the job 
done.
2 - It works pretty darn well (as measured by the volume of data that is 
transmitted on any given day.
3 - Minimal investment is required.
4 - Just about everyone has it, or will soon.

You, at least, must consider it!

If you refused to use the Internet ....

1 - You would probably be branded as stupid or short sighted.
2 - You would be hard pressed to come up with an argument for NOT using it.

So why use the Internet -

In a couple of words -

Because its there.   And because other systems that could do the job cost 
more money, or are not there

Is it the best -

Probably not

Can we afford something better

You must be joking !

Clay Freinwald
Washington State