Groups representing the deaf and hard of hearing told the FCC it needs to mandate that emergency alerts appear on wireless devices, and recommends that streaming services like Netflix and Hulu carry them as well.

That came in comments on the FCC's inquiry into how to improve its EAS emergency alert system.

The FCC is under orders from Congress to report back on the feasibility of extending the EAS mandate to over-the-top video given the rise in popularity of video streaming services.

The groups focused mainly on wireless and the need for those who have cut the TV cord to be able to get alerts via their smartphones, but in a footnote they also said: "It is also recommended that messages be sent through streaming services so as to be accessible even for consumers who have cut the cord."

They also put in a pitch for government grants to nonprofits (like themselves) "that have direct engagement with the disability community," so that they can "encourage further training and awareness on how to enhance emergency communications, awareness, preparation, and responses."

Among the 20 groups joining in the comments were Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Inc. (“TDI”), AccesSOS, American Deafness and Rehabilitation Association (ADARA), and the Clear2Connect Coalition.

Streamers have argued their OTT services should not be required to participate in that system, saying it would not appreciably increase the number of people who get such alerts, but would appreciably increase the burden on streamers if they were required to deliver them. And the obligation would not just be on the major streaming video services, they said, but Peleton, and even online instructional yoga videos.

Broadcasters and cable operators agree that streaming companies should not be required to carry the alerts.

Cable broadband operators have told the FCC that the combination of already-required broadcast, cable and wireless alerts "are more than sufficient to convey timely and relevant emergency and public safety information to the public." ■

The House has passed three bipartisan bills to strengthen communications networks, including one exploring whether to extend emergency alert mandates to the internet and streaming services.

H.R. 6096, the Reliable Emergency Alert Distribution Improvement (READI) Act of 2020 requires the FCC to "examine the feasibility of modernizing the Emergency Alert System by expanding alert distribution to the internet and streaming services." It also amends the Warning, Alert, and Response Network Act "to classify emergency alerts from the Federal Emergency Management Agency as a type of alert that commercial mobile service providers may not allow subscribers to block from their devices." It also directs the FCC to "facilitate coordination with State Emergency Communications Committees in developing and modernizing State Emergency Alert System plans."

H.R. 6624, the Utilizing Strategic Allied (USA) Telecommunications Act of 2020 "creates a new grant program through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to promote technology that enhances supply chain security and market competitiveness in wireless communications networks."

H.R. 7310, the Spectrum IT Modernization Act of 2020, requires the National Telecommunications & Information Administration to report to Congress on any plans to modernize its IT systems on managing federal spectrum.

All three passed by voice vote.

“From keeping Americans better informed during emergencies to promoting 5G coordination, competitiveness and security, these three bills will create a better, safer communications network for us all,” said House Energy & Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) and Communications Subcommittee Chairman Mike Doyle (D-Pa.). The bills came out of the E&C committee. “At its core, our telecommunications infrastructure exists to serve the public interest and connect our nation, and we are proud of the bipartisan work that went into advancing that goal with these three bills. We thank all our colleagues for working with us to get such important legislation passed today," they said.

E&C ranking member Greg Walden (R-Ore.) and Communications ranking member Bob Latta (R-Ohio) said of the votes: “The COVID-19 pandemic put a much-needed focus on the need to ensure all Americans are connected, especially during times of emergency, and that our networks are secure. The bipartisan bills passed today help accomplish these goals by investing in our communications infrastructure, promoting secure technology development, and ensuring preparedness for future emergencies. We thank our colleagues for coming together to pass these bipartisan bills and urge the Senate to take swift action."

Mobile net software provider Mavenir praised passage of the USA Telecommunications Act, which the company called "another step forward in modernizing our nation’s mobile networks and promoting a more competitive and innovative 5G ecosystem," adding: "We welcome this widespread support for programs that support OpenRAN deployment, which will make a meaningful difference for the operators and vendors committed to fostering a more diverse supply of secure 5G infrastructure."