Dear all,

for info.

Simão

-----Original Message----- From: Eliot Christian [mailto:echristian@usgs.gov] Sent: 01 June 2007 16:02 To: Eliot Christian Subject: FCC Press Release on Order requiring use of CAP

Yesterday, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a press release on its Order requiring use of the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP). Below are a few excerpts from the full press release (attached).

I'd like join Tony Rutkowski in "Congratulations!" to Art Botterell for his tireless work over many years on developing and promoting CAP as the standard format for all-media, all-hazards public warning.

Please forward this note to persons or discussion lists that may have an interest in all-hazards, all-media public warning.

Thanks!

Eliot Christian

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NEWS Federal Communications Commission May 31, 2007

FCC TAKES ACTION TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN NATION'S EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM

Order to Ensure Efficient, Rapid Transmission of Emergency Information to the Public

Washington, D.C. - The Federal Communications Commission today adopted [an Order that] promotes the development of fully digital Next Generation technologies and delivery systems that will better serve the American public.

The Order requires [Emergency Alert System (EAS)] participants to accept messages using Common Alerting Protocol (CAP), the groundwork for Next Generation EAS delivery systems [...]

The use of CAP will help to ensure the efficient and rapid transmission of EAS alerts to the American public in a variety of formats (including text, audio and video) and via different means (broadcast, cable, satellite, and other networks) and to promote the development of Next Generation EAS. [...]

The Order also requires terrestrial EAS participants to transmit state and locally targeted EAS alerts that are originated by governors or their designees. [...]

In addition, the Order expands the EAS system by requiring participation by wireline video providers.

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