Today,
the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) announced that it has connect its
Warning, Alert, and Response Network (WARN) to the Federal Emergency Management
Agency’s (FEMA) alert aggregator using a
customized implementation of TeleCommunication Systems’ Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS) gateway
product. Once this system is
fully functional, PBS WARN will allow cellular providers a free backup method
of reciving Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) messages. The connection to FEMA is a key
step in implementing the WARN project and providing this service to cellular
companies.
“The
PBS WARN system will deliver CMAS emergency alerts (also known as WEA) via
free, over-the-air digital TV signals broadcast by PBS member stations and
other non-commercial licensees who receive the PBS satellite feed. Cell phone
subscribers of participating carriers in the geo-targeted area will receive
these critical messages as 90-character text messages with a unique alert tone,”
according to the PBS press release.
The Wireless
Emergency Alert system is similar to text messages, although it uses a
different kind of technology to deliver the message immediately and make sure
the message isn’t delayed on the wireless networks.
Dana Golub, executive director of WARN for PBS, said, "From being involved with the
creation of the WEA standards to the design and installation of their CMAS
solutions, we have benefitted immensely from TCS' knowledge and experience.
Helping to notify the public of emergencies, disasters and other important
events is a natural extension of PBS' mission, so we are thrilled to have
reached this important milestone."
