The FCC has released a Public Notice seeking comment on the feasibility of including multimedia content in Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) messages. Currently, the Commission’s rules do not specify the technical requirements for enabling multimedia content in WEA alert messages. In 2016, the Commission released its WEA Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, which sought comment regarding the establishment of an appropriate regulatory framework and timeframe for incorporating multimedia capability into WEA alert messages. The Commission continues to consider the WEA Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposal regarding multimedia alerting, and it now wishes to refresh the record with any new information or arguments. Commenters are asked to address the technical feasibility for requiring multimedia content in WEA messages, including the current state of multimedia testing and standards development. Additionally, commenters are requested to address the potential costs and benefits to public safety and participating CMS Providers for supporting the inclusion of multimedia content in WEA messages, given the other changes to WEA that are currently ongoing. Comments are due 30 days after the Public Notice is published in the Federal Register, and reply comments are due 45 days after the Public Notice is published in the Federal Register.
