Wireless Communications Assn. (WCA) petitioned FCC for rule chang...

Wireless Communications Assn. (WCA) petitioned FCC for rule change that would allow digital wireless cable systems with 5,000 or more subscribers to have option of delivering Emergency Alert System (EAS) messages through “force tune” technology. Current requirement is for carrying video and audio EAS messages on every programmed channel. WCA said proposed change was in line with intent of FCC’s rules and was needed “to alleviate the financial burden full compliance with the ‘all-channels’ rule imposes on digital wireless cable systems.” WCA said it filed petition in response to recent Enforcement Bureau decision that granted digital wireless cable operator Watch TV temporary waiver of those rules. That operator submitted “undisputed” evidence that all-channels requirement would have imposed “insurmountable” costs, WCA said. Watch TV argued that “force tune” technology, which is software-based solution that automatically tunes viewer’s TV to predesignated EAS channel, was best solution short of permanent waiver of requirements. Enforcement Bureau decided that formal rulemaking on “force tune” issue was needed, but gave Watch TV 30-day waiver that would be extended automatically if petition for rulemaking were submitted. Watch TV provides wireless cable service to 11,000 subscribers in rural western Ohio.