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, Vice President (dgolub@pbs.org, 919-834-2259)
Peter Scott, Project Manager (pkscott@pbs.org, 703-739-5039)
Anne Gesa, Manager Finance & Administration (agesa@pbs.org, 703-739-5283)
Additional Information for Carriers
The PBS WARN system is a highly reliable, diverse and low-cost distribution channel for delivering Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) messages from FEMA to Commercial Mobile Service Providers (CMSPs). PBS WARN benefits carriers and hosting companies by:
- Adding reliability to the WEA delivery system;
- Resisting cyber-attack;
- Offering immunity from internet disruptions; and
- Not incurring significant operating expenses.