In a concerted effort to enhance the nation’s Emergency Alert System (EAS), a coalition of prominent broadcast technology firms has proposed a “hybrid virtualization” strategy to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This approach modernizes the EAS by integrating traditional hardware with advanced software solutions, ensuring technological advancement and unwavering reliability in emergency communications.
During an October meeting with the FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, representatives from Digital Alert Systems, Telos Alliance, and Nautel presented their case for this hybrid model. They emphasized that combining established hardware components with innovative software platforms would facilitate a seamless transition to modernized systems without compromising the dependability of emergency broadcasts.
Bill Robertson, Vice President of Business Development at Digital Alert Systems, highlighted the benefits of this approach, stating, “EAS integration has been a sticking point due to the constraints of legacy approaches, but with Digital Alert Systems’ deep knowledge of workflow and regulatory realities, and their adoption of the Livewire+/AES67 standard, EAS finally enters the radio IP ecosystem.”
The proposed hybrid virtualization model addresses the challenges associated with fully transitioning to software-based EAS solutions. By maintaining critical hardware components while incorporating software advancements, broadcasters can ensure compliance with existing FCC regulations and uphold the integrity of emergency alert transmissions.
Geoff Steadman, Product Manager at Telos Alliance, underscored the importance of this balanced approach, noting, “Omnia and Nautel have collaborated for years, and both companies recognize virtual air chains are the future. EAS integration has been a sticking point due to the constraints of legacy approaches. Still, with Digital Alert Systems’ deep knowledge of workflow and regulatory realities and their adoption of the Livewire+/AES67 standard, EAS finally enters the radio IP ecosystem.”
The FCC has been actively exploring avenues to modernize the EAS, aiming to enhance its effectiveness in disseminating critical information during emergencies. The hybrid virtualization proposal offers a pragmatic solution, allowing incremental technological upgrades while preserving the system’s core functionality.
As the FCC continues to deliberate on the future of the EAS, the input from industry leaders like Digital Alert Systems, Telos Alliance, and Nautel will play a pivotal role in shaping policies that balance innovation with the imperative of public safety.
