[EAS] FCC posts report on 2023 national EAS test results

[Rich Parker]

Seems to be missing any mention of funding available for this very expensive 'unfunded' mandate.
"Based on these results, PSHSB recommends that the Commission adopt rules to improve the operational readiness of EAS Participants and Participating CMS Providers, as well as ensure that EAS participants are installing software updates in a timely manner and have plans for replacing equipment
that is no longer supported by the manufacturer."
And....
o PSHSB recommends that Commission adopt rules to ensure that EAS Participants are updating their EAS equipment's software and have a plan for replacing equipment that is no longer supported. 
('adopt rules' - show us the money)
As of early October 2023, over 4,500 EAS Participants, approximately 23% of EAS equipment units, were either using outdated software or operating equipment that no longer supported regular software updates. The 2023 test also revealed that fully up-to-date equipment had the highest receipt and retransmission performance results (97% and 95%, respectively), whereas equipment with equipment that is no longer supported had the lowest receipt and retransmission performance results (90% and 85%, respectively). The use of equipment with older software or equipment that no longer receives manufacturer support increases the risk of alert failure as well as poses major security risks"
Still cheaper than a fine, but dang!
The NGWS grant program is a good, faltering, start - assuming you have the staff that can wade through the excessively complicated and often onerous paper work, including follow up questions - and, if you are approved, you STILL have to have enough cash on hand to purchase equipment, then plow through yet another barrage of paperwork before getting reimbursed.
At least NGWS round 2 clearly mentions funding for technical support - not clear if you have to pay for that upfront, then get reimbursed.
Then, even if you hardware that CAN be upgraded, it STILL has to be sent back to the mothership (Digital Alert Systems, cough, cough) - and no loaner - so pray nothing bad happens while it's gone.
One really needs to ask - Cui Bono? 
Right?
OK, kids - grab your popcorn...the replies to me are surely going to be 'interesting' ;)
Rich Parker
Juneau, AK

On Thu, Jun 27, 2024, 22:31 Ed Czarnecki ed.czarnecki at digitalalertsystems.com> wrote:
>Both EAS and WEA results:

>https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/search/search-filings/filing/1062736674386

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