The PBS WARN Project

PBS WARN provides a diverse, redundant path between FEMA and cellular service providers. Using one-to-many satellite distribution and terrestrial broadcast, PBS WARN reaches cellular carriers over-the-air.

If a cybersecurity incident or internet disruption to a carrier facility breaks the primary connection to FEMA, the PBS WARN system provides an immediate alternate source of inbound WEA messages.

Going beyond industry-standard best practices for system design and operation, PBS WARN ensures Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) availability to any cellular service provider.

The WARN project is funded by a Department of Commerce grant through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
 

PBS WARN Contacts

Dana Golub, Executive Director (dgolub@pbs.org, 919-834-2259)
John Kulstad, Senior Broadcast Engineer (jmkulstad@pbs.org, 703-739-5490)
Susana Lopez, Director of Administration (smlopez@pbs.org, 703-739-5268)
Aaron Silverman, Communications Director (amsilverman@pbs.org, 703-739-5054)
 

Additional Information for Carriers

The PBS WARN system is a highly reliable, diverse and low-cost distribution channel for delivering Cellular Mobile Alert System (CMAS) emergency messages from FEMA to Commercial Mobile Service Providers (CMSPs). PBS WARN benefits carriers and hosting companies by:

- Adding reliability to a CMAS delivery system;
- Resisting cyber-attack;
- Offering immunity from internet disruptions; and
- Not incurring significant operating expenses.