[EAS] Required Periodic Test

[Bill Ruck]

Having spent most of this weekend in a turkey and pumpkin pie induced 
coma compounded by a head cold I have just been reading the mail.

However, I do have the following suggestion.

We recognize (1) one size does not fit all, (2) tests need to be 
meaningful and monitored, (3) parts of the existing system does work 
well and (4) this is a chance to start with a blank sheet of paper.

I want to remind all that my goal is "The citizens of the United 
States deserve no less than prompt and accurate emergency public information."

Take a look at this.  It is only a rough draft and clearly needs some 
of the rough edges cleaned up and the more vague areas clarified.

Eliminate the RWT and RMT and replace it with the Required Periodic 
Test (RPT) as follows:

1.  Required Periodic Test (RPT) sent on a rotating basis every 15 
days starting with the first Monday in January at 12 Midnight.  The 
next test will be Tuesday at 1 AM; then Wednesday at 2 AM; etc.  RPT 
rotates through days and hours for a total of 20 tests a year.  The 
whole nation does the RPT at the same time.  (Since the world 
revolves around the Beltway use East Coast Time.)  Schedule the start 
of the RPT for :10 as to not interfere with top of the hour news or 
starting programs.

2.  Every other RPT (the first test, third, fifth, etc.) will be 
originated by a local agency as described in that local operating area plan.

3.  The other RPTs (the second, fourth, sixth, eighth) will be 
originated by state and federal agencies on an alternating rotating 
basis.  The state will originate the second, sixth, tenth, etc., as 
described in each state's plan.  The feds (White House, FEMA, NWS) 
will originate on the fourth, eighth, 12th, etc., as described in the 
federal plan.

4.  Each RPT will be reported within 72 hours by all 
participants.  The FCC will set up an intelligent web site (a first 
for them) to log the RPTs.  Sign in with your Facility ID and 
password.  Form is pre-filled with identification and 
location.  Check () YES or () NO.  If NO a dialog box appears with 
likely sources that can be checked.  If OTHER is checked a box 
appears to be filled in with the problem.  And another box appears 
labeled STEPS TAKEN TO RESOLVE PROBLEM.

The data will be mined by the FCC.  If a whole area is missing an RPT 
then the originating agency for that test gets a visit from the 
FCC.  If just one participant reports missing the RPT too often they 
get a visit from the FCC.  The results will be published.

5.  Everybody participates.  Part 73, cell phones, personal 
communications devices, satellite program sources, Internet.  Sources 
that can not geolocate (e.g. a one way satellite service like Sirius) 
is exempt from local and state tests but do have to carry federal 
tests.  If Earthlink can send emails on how wonderful they are they 
can also forward a CAP formatted email message.

6.  CAP will be the protocol to be followed.

7.  The feds will provide grants to local and state agencies to write 
the plan and to support the RPTs.  Failure to comply with the plan at 
the local and state level will result in the withholding of ALL 
federal funding as well as potential loss of ALL Part 90 
frequencies.  (Justification: Eligibility for Part 90 is "Government 
activity protecting life and property."  A licensee that fails to 
protect life and property by not participating in the plan is no 
longer eligible to hold a license.)

8.  No broadcast station will originate any RPTs or messages, only 
local, state, and federal agencies.

9.  Congressional action may be required to implement this plan.

Advantages:

1.  All streams to consumers are represented.

2.  Both a carrot and a stick are used to encourage local and state 
participation.

3.  Regular meaningful tests.

4.  Tests that are reported.

5.  Because each local and state plan can be customized to the needs 
of the area and state this is not a "one size fits all" plan.

I know that there are people much smarter than I on this list (like 
most of you...) so please improve it.

Bill Ruck
Curmudgeon
San Francisco