[EAS] EAS NPRM Comments due by April 20, 2021

[Gary Timm]

On March 19, 2021, the FCC released NPRM & NOI "FCC 21-36".
See: https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-proposes-further-strengthen-emergency-alerting-0

The NPRM & NOI appeared in today's Federal Register, thus the Comment dates are set:
"Comments on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking are due on or before April 20, 2021, and reply comments are due on or before May 4, 2021. Comments on the Notice of Inquiry are due on or before May 14, 2021, and reply comments are due on or before June 14, 2021."

So if you want to Comment, act quickly.  Comments are due in 21 days, Reply Comments 14 days after that!!  File Comments at: https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/
At the top of the page, click "Submit a Filing".  Under "Specify Proceeding", type in "15-94", then select that "Amendment of Part 11 of EAS Rules".  Comments can be a simple Word or PDF document, in any format you choose.  Its easy - try it!!

The new rules deal primarily with SECCs, requiring certification of meeting at least once annually, and involving the State chief executive (usually Governor) in SECC oversight as directed by Congressional mandate but the FCC makes that proactive on the part of the Governor in most cases.

And the new rules would finally include the statement: "The [State EAS] plans are administered by State Emergency Communications Committees."... although there is still no Definition of what an SECC is.

Regarding the Congressionally-mandated capability that national EAS alerts be repeated, the FCC wisely reminded that any EAS alert can be repeated by the alert originator simply reissuing the alert as many times as they want it heard (repeated).  The FCC points out the many roadblocks of trying to have broadcaster EAS units automatically repeat national alerts; the FCC does not favor that method and did not propose such a rule.

Lastly, there is a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) where the FCC asks for Comments on EAS participation by internet-related services and if EAS Participants could deliver EAS alerts via the internet in CAP format for use by user devices.

If you are interested in Commenting, you don't have much time - see dates above.

Gary Timm
Wisconsin SECC