Media Contact: 
Tina Pelkey, (202) 418-0536
tina.pelkey@fcc.gov

For Immediate Release

CHAIRMAN PAI CALLS FOR CONTINUED  
PROGRESS IN IMPROVING ACCURACY OF 
WIRELESS EMERGENCY ALERTS
Highlights November Deadline for Implementation 
of FCC Rules to Better Target Alerts to Americans 
WASHINGTON, February 6, 2019—Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai today called on wireless carriers and standards bodies to continue the progress they have made toward implementing rules to improve the geographic targeting of Wireless Emergency Alerts.  He also called on all parties—including wireless phone companies, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), and the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS)—to maintain focus on meeting the required implementation date later this year.  

“I’m pleased that private sector standards-setting bodies are making progress toward meeting the vital public safety goal of improved geo-targeting of Wireless Emergency Alerts,” said Chairman Pai.  “Recognizing that there is still more work to be done, I urge all principals—from 3GPP and ATIS to the wireless carriers and handset manufacturers—to remain vigilant in their work to ensure that the benefits of enhanced wireless emergency alerts are made available by November.  The American people want, expect, and deserve the best possible public safety services—including the most precise targeting available for wireless alerts.”

On January 24, 2019, a 3GPP working group achieved a significant milestone by approving technical specifications that will be voted for adoption during 3GPP’s quarterly plenary meeting in March.  In addition, ATIS is expected to finalize its standards for improved geo-targeting by the end of March.  These are important steps in implementing rules the FCC adopted last year to improve the geographic accuracy of Wireless Emergency Alerts.  These rules require that by November 30, 2019, participating wireless providers must be able to deliver alerts to the areas that match those targeted by public safety officials with no more than a one-tenth of a mile overshoot.   

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Office of Chairman Ajit Pai: (202) 418-1000
Twitter: @AjitPaiFCC
www.fcc.gov/leadership/ajit-pai

This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).