D2D Technologies announced the company was selected by the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) as their vendor partner to supply a customized solution to public television stations for the insertion and broadcast of emergency message data that complies with upcoming FCC mandated changes to the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system.
The nationwide PBS Warning Alert & Response Network system provides a resilient and reliable broadcast-based message path that ensures delivery of all WEA messages. The system from D2D Technologies receives WEA messages sent via the PBS Satellite Interconnection System and inserts the designated message into the broadcast transport stream.
Using satellite distribution and terrestrial broadcast, PBS WARN provides a redundant path between FEMA and cellular service providers reaches cellular carriers. If a cybersecurity incident or internet disruption to a carrier breaks the primary connection to FEMA, the PBS WARN system provides an immediate alternate source of inbound WEA messages. The project is funded by a Department of Commerce grant through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.
The updated solution supplied by D2D Technologies will support PBS’ ongoing participation in the WEA system, with capability to process the essential new alert options required by the FCC, including: increased message length of up to 360 characters; embedded clickable hyperlinks; new “blue alerts” to notify the public of threats to law enforcement; and greater geographical accuracy.
“America’s Public Television Stations look forward to working with PBS and D2D Technologies to enhance and enlarge our public safety mission,” said APTS President/CEO Patrick Butler, noting that PBS stations are doing more every day in emergency communications at the national, state and local levels.
September 9, 2019
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