[EAS] Analysis of EAS Test Report

[Gary Timm]

Rich,
Thanx for your feedback on the EAS Test Report posting.
 
Regarding your observation that there was no confirmation returned of test reports being filed - yes, in the report the FCC does admit it needs a new reporting system, and intends to come up with one before the next national test.  In that section, they even talk about public workshops to gather input on what is needed.  So sounds like the Commission realizes the need on that issue.
 
As to whether "IP delivery can be considered a valid alternate monitoring source", if you are referring to the Monitoring Assignments in your State EAS Plan, keep in mind that the reason those two Monitoring Assignments are mandated in Part 11 is that they are to be a source of the EAN.  So most likely, NWS would not qualify as an official Monitoring Assignment.  But in the realm of trying to deliver weather alerts to stations, that is a beyond-required activity that most states do pursue, and however you get it there is up to you.  As to your question of incorporating IP delivery into your plan, FCC has said they want to see in revised State EAS Plans how CAP delivery to all EAS Participants in the state will be accomplished - and that can be in the form of a revised State EAS Plan, or if no other changes to the State EAS Plan are needed, then just as an addendum to your State EAS Plan.  But, as I read the 5th Report and Order, states cannot require stations to monitor a state CAP feed - let me know if you want my paper showing the reasoning on my conclusion.  That said, the FCC is considering revising its rules regarding both the SECC and State EAS Plans - so anything could change in that realm in the near future.
 
As you indicate, your last point of mandating alerts for ISPs and other IP-based delivery methods is quite the can of worms.  As you say, this would reach more of the public.  FEMA and FCC's current expansion to reach more of the public is Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), and considering how many of us carry a wireless device 24/7, that is probably the best approach for the moment.  As people upgrade their devices over the next couple years, and those new devices come WEA-capable, this method will reach a quite significant portion of the population.
 
Gary

--- On Tue, 4/23/13, Rich Parker <rparker at vpr.net> wrote:

>From: Rich Parker <rparker at vpr.net>

>Thanks for this Gary - I am heading to our state EAS/SECC meeting this morning - we will be at the NWS offices in BTV and the meeting will include VT Emergency Management, local broadcasters and even a representative from a major Cable TV company. This is great progress for us and I hope it is mirrored in other states as well.

>I will bring up the 'highlights' of the report in the meeting, and make sure folks get the link.

>Thanks,

>Rich Parker
>Vermont SECC