Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)
Comments due: March 11, 2022
Reply comments due: March 28, 2022
Notice of Inquiry (NOI)
Comments due: April 11, 2022
Reply Comments due: May 10, 2022
On December 14, 2021, the FCC adopted a NPRM proposing to improve the clarity and accessibility of Emergency Alert System (EAS) visual messages, especially for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing or are otherwise unable to access the EAS audio message. The FCC also adopted a NOI seeking comment on how the legacy EAS architecture can be modified, augmented, or redesigned to enable alert originators to relay visual text that matches their audio message, and enable more functionality within the system as a whole.
On February 9, 2022, the comment due dates were published in the Federal Register.
Interested parties may file comments by accessing the Electronic Comment Filing System at https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filings. All filings must reference PS Docket No. 15-94. People with disabilities who need assistance to file comments online may request assistance by email to FCC504@fcc.gov.
News Release:
URL: https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-seeks-improve-accessibility-clarity-emergency-alerts-0
Word: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-378635A1.docx
PDF: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-378635A1.pdf
Text: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-378635A1.txt
EAS NPRM and NOI:
URL: https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-seeks-improve-accessibility-clarity-emergency-alerts-0
Word: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-21-125A1.docx
PDF: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-21-125A1.pdf
Text: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-21-125A1.txt
Link to Federal Register:
URL: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/02/09/2022-00146/the-emergency-alert-system
For general information regarding the accessibility of the Emergency Alert System, visit: https://www.fcc.gov/eas-faq-accessibility. For further information, please contact Bill Wallace, Disability Rights Office, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, at (202) 418-2716 or William.Wallace@fcc.gov. Individuals who use videophones and are ASL-fluent may call the FCC’s ASL Consumer Support Line at (844) 432-2275 (videophone).