FCC approves national SMS alert plan | 04.14.2008 | 08:30:21 | Views: 5743 | ID: April 14 '08: The Associated Press reported earlier that the FCC has released guidelines which outline a national emergency alert system using text messaging. Washington Technology reported that the new plan lacks a federal sponsor and FEMA has declined as well. The AP reported, "The plan stems from the Warning Alert and Response Network Act, a 2006 federal law that requires upgrades to the emergency alert system. The act requires the Federal Communications Commission to develop ways to alert the public about emergencies." The new system would be voluntary and cellphone customers would be able to opt out of the program, the AP reported. Details of the system's messaging include a three-tier alert schema: the first message would be from a natural disaster or terrorist attack; the second message would alert the public to "imminent threats" like hurricanes, tornadoes or shootings; and the third alert would be reserved for Amber alerts. The service would be available by 2010 and would have a specific audio one or "vibration cadence" the AP concluded. National Blueprint Tags: Legal & Intergovernmental, " target="_blank">Communication & Public Information.
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