NEWSReport No. CI 97-10    COMPLIANCE AND INFO ACTION    September 29, 1997       

             COMMISSION  MODIFIES  EMERGENCY  ALERT  SYSTEM
                    REQUIREMENTS  FOR  CABLE  SYSTEMS

     On September 24, 1997, the Commission adopted a Second Report and Order which
modifies the Emergency Alert System (EAS) requirements as they apply to wired and
wireless cable systems.  A phase-in period is provided with additional time for cable
television operators to comply with the EAS requirements.  All wired cable systems will
participate according to the following schedule.

     1.  Systems that serve 10,000 or more subscribers shall install EAS equipment and
provide EAS audio and video messages on all channels by December 31, 1998.

     2.  Systems that serve 5,000 or more, but fewer than 10,000 subscribers shall install
EAS equipment and provide EAS audio and video messages on all channels by October 1,
2002.

     3.  Systems that serve fewer than 5,000 subscribers shall either provide National level
EAS messages on all programmed channels (including the required EAS test messages), or
install EAS equipment and provide a video interrupt and audio alert message on all
programmed channels and EAS audio and video messages on at least one programmed
channel by October 1, 2002.

     Wireless cable systems shall participate in EAS on the same basis as wired cable
systems.  Wireless cable operators that serve 5,000 or more subscribers per fixed station
transmission site or headend shall install EAS equipment and provide EAS audio and video
messages on all channels by October 1, 2002.  Wireless cable operators that serve less than
5,000 subscribers are subject to the same requirements as wired cable systems that serve
fewer than 5,000 subscribers.

     The Commission stated that the requirements of existing local franchise agreements
for special warning systems will not be preempted by the EAS so long as they do not conflict
with the EAS requirements under Commission rules.  Local authorities are encouraged to use
the EAS to alert the public of emergency situations.  Using the EAS will insure that both
broadcasters and cable operators receive the alerts.



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     The Commission declined to require participation in EAS by Satellite Master Antenna
Television (SMATV), Open Video Systems (OVS), and cellular and wired telephone
services.  The Commission encourages all public service providers to voluntarily participate
in EAS.  Similarly, the developers of digital technology and new transmission techniques are
encouraged to provide for emergency messages in new equipment in order to prevent loss of
life and property and to insure that the messages can be delivered in a manner that is
economical for the participants in EAS.

     Action by the Commission September 24, 1997, by Second Report and Order (FCC
97-338).  Chairman Hundt, Commissioners Quello, Ness and Chong, with Chairman Hundt
issuing a separate statement.

                                  - FCC -

     Compliance and Information Bureau contact: EAS staff at (202) 418-1220.