[EAS] CAP EAS Logging Question

[Ed Czarnecki]

Been trying to post this to the list for several days now -  let's see if it
takes this time.  In response to Kevin Weiner's question, yes, this is
correct - with an EAN, the DASDEC will override the FIPS code.   

In the unique case of an EAN, both the DASDEC (broadcast) and R189 One-Net
(cable/IPTV) override the FIPS filter, to allow the FIPS code to pass
irrespective of FIPS.

The DASDEC and One-Net can readily support a national FIPS-like geocode (the
oft-suggested "000000" specifically), but there are some challenges to
updating FIPS, discussed below.

So, as for the question of why no national geocode yet, it's not fair to lay
this all on the FCC.  The summary is that FIPS is a withdrawn/obsolete
standard, and updating its successor standard has several administrative and
formatting challenges.

The details are that FIPS 6-4 standard was actually withdrawn by NIST in
2008, and replaced/superseded by INCITS 31-2009.  So, NIST does not
administer FIPS anymore, though INCITS does administer a successor standard.

Another challenge is that both FIPS 6-4 and INCITS 31-2009 relate to
counties and other legal subdivisions, not national-level codes.  National
geocodes are separate FIPS/ANSI/INCITS standards.  These are completely
different alpha or numeric schemas which are not consistent with the six
digit FIPS 6-4 schema.

But, where standards are absent, abandoned, or where there is a prevailing
national interest, NIST could conceivably weigh in with a standard.  I'd
raised that possibility with the FCC, but moving something like this through
NIST is likely not easy, nor fast.  The FCC could potentially issue its own
administrative rule outside of any standard, as well, but I'm sure there are
a volume of rules that need to be examined on that one.

Edward Czarnecki, Ph.D.
Senior Director - Strategy, Development & Regulatory Affairs
ed.czarnecki at monroe-electronics.com
www.digitalalertsystems.com
www.monroe-electronics.com