Enhanced Wireless Emergency Alerts Available for Coronavirus Pandemic

The Federal Communications Commission's Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB) reminds authorized alert originators, including state and local governments, that the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system is available as a tool to provide life-saving information to the public during the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. In recent years, the Federal Communications Commission, together with the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) and Participating Commercial Mobile Service Providers, have taken important measures to promote the effectiveness of WEA, and to make such messages more accessible. These enhancements to WEA include: the capability to send more detailed alerts of up to 360 characters for 4G-LTE networks, the option to convey recommended actions for saving lives or property (e.g., a reminder to stay at home due to COVID-19) for use in connection with Imminent Threat Messages, and the ability to send alerts in Spanish language.