from Telecommunications Report- Vol. 76, No. 21; November 1, 2010; page 52; business news section

BUSINESS NEWS 

Global Security Systems (GSS), manufactorer of FM radio-based alerting technology, said Oct. 13 that a study funded by Federal Emergency Management Agency and overseen Northrop Grumman Corp. has confirmed the effectiveness of FM radio-based alerts. Alertus Technologies LLC and Metis Secure Solutions LLC were also part of the study. "The demonstrations showed that FM RBDS is a reliable communication technology at a state and local emergency management level for disseminating emergency information," Mark Lucero, program manager of Intergrate Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), said in a GSS news release and release issued by Metis in September. Gordan Smith, president and chief executive officer of the National Association of Broadcasters, which has been pushing for Congress to mandate the inclusion of FM chips in mobile phones, said in the release, "In an emergency, expanding the availability of FM on a variety of devices will save more lives. The targeted alerting services that utilize the RBDS FM subcarrier technology enhance public safety because of the ubiquitous nature of FM radio."

GSS In Trade Press.pdf (104.56 kb)

Global Security Systems Expands ALERT FM Technology to Commercial Mobile Alerts
 Making Potentially Life-Saving Mobile Technology a Reality

FCC Rules and Order provides for
Alternative Technologies to Meet CMAS Voluntary Standard for Mobile Industry

Rural Cellular Association Business and Technical Conference, October 13, 2010 – Today, Global Security Systems (GSS), makers of ALERT FM, announced that they are expanding their FM radio-based alerting technology to provide cellular carriers with a Commercial Mobile Alert Service (CMAS) solution.  ALERT FM is a powerful public safety tool that allows emergency management officials to rapidly disseminate warnings and safety information in the form of text alerts to FM radio-enabled wireless phones based on their specified locations.

The ALERT FM system utilizes Radio Broadcast Data System (RBDS) technology over the existing nationwide and redundant FM radio infrastructure to allow rapid dissemination of emergency alert messages to citizenry based on geographic or organizational groupings.  ALERT FM can target FM-enabled devices in a single building, a football arena, or the entire country.

FM Radio Receiver Chips in Cell Phones will make CMAS a reality.
Today’s announcement marks a milestone in the implementation of CMAS, a national program established by the FCC in response to the Warning, Alert and Response (WARN) Act passed by Congress in 2006.  GSS representatives served on the CMAS Advisory Committee that developed the standards for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).  FM RBDS was determined by the Committee to be a suitable alternative technology solution to satisfy CMAS standard requirements and was highlighted in a letter from Chairman of the FCC Julius Genachowski in a letter to Congress, http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/view?id=7020400152.

In times of disaster when cellular networks become overloaded, FM radio’s single-point to multiple-point transmission assures the delivery of critical information to a vast number of FM-enabled devices simultaneously.  
• The CMAS network, part of the Integrated Public Alert Warning (IPAWS) framework, will allow the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to accept and aggregate alerts from the President of the United States, imminent danger, Amber Alerts.
• GSSNet will receive the CMAS alerts from local, state, and federal agencies and transmit them to FM radio towers that broadcast the alerts to mobile customers with FM-enabled handsets within a specified targeted area. 
• GSS has the capability to send up to 240-character text messages -- exceeding the minimum required 90 characters -- plus real-time audio emergency information.
• FM-enabled devices can roam like a cell phone, scanning for new signals as they move from tower to tower.

CMAS technology is comparable to emergency alerts currently delivered via cable television or disseminated to citizens through calls to their wired phones. The ALERT FM technology, however, will send emergency text messages to FM-enabled mobile phones with the added advantage of targeting a defined geographic area (click here to view FM broadcast coverage area map).

CMAS, including GSS’s ALERT FM, potentially could save lives during an emergency.
CMAS will provide emergency management professionals with expanded options in a variety of emergency situations.  Currently, more than 35 million people in 14 states have access to ALERT FM technology.  ALERT FM has been implemented at the university, state, county, and multi-county levels.

GSS recently participated in an RBDS study funded by FEMA and conducted by Northrop Grumman that validated the effectiveness of ALERT FM technology for emergency alerts by state and local government agencies. The company signed a cooperation agreement to provide nationwide coverage of FM radio alerts, http://www.alertfm.com/ServiceLocator.aspx.   In addition to conserving battery life, ALERT FM “wakes up” the FM-enabled device when an emergency alert message is delivered.

About Global Security Systems and ALERT FM:
Global Security Systems (GSS) is a systems integrator, service provider, and manufacturer of the ALERT FM and GSSNet satellite delivery system.  Global Security Systems has participated in the development of IPAWS-based systems, is a member of the Commercial Mobile Alert Service systems committee, and is actively involved with several EAS and CAP committees.  The Global Security Systems nationwide GSSNet satellite delivery system for emergency alerts currently is in operation now at over 450 locations and growing daily.  It includes the ability to generate and deliver CAP messages.

Media Contact:
Renee Cassis
646-808-6505
cassis2@msn.com

http://www.fema.gov/emergency/ipaws/systemenhancements.shtm

CMAS PR v.6 w-logo-1.pdf (330.90 kb)

From Radio World- http://www.rwonline.com/article/107716

GSS Says Study Supports RBDS Approach

10.12.2010

GSS says its FM RBDS-based alerting system is viable for distributing FEMA/IPAWS alerts; and now the company has the results of a study — funded by the government — to support its pitch.

Global Security Systems said the research by Northrop Grumann Corp., paid for with $2 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, “confirms the effectiveness of FM radio-based alerts and warnings provided by Alert FM.” That GSS system uses RBDS FM-subcarrier technology to deliver texts to electronic devices that have Alert FM software and an enabled FM radio receiver chip. Several state broadcast associations and radio groups currently support Alert FM, and the company hopes to expand its use.

GSS says the study included working demos of the system over a three-month period at a college campus, in four counties spread across two states and over a larger region. Two other of Northrop’s “vendor partners,” AlertUs Technology and Metis Secure, also participated in the study.

According to the company, “The structured live demonstrations tested the effectiveness of Alert FM by activating receivers; adhering to Common Alerting Protocol requirements; implementing geo-targeting exercises; and executing an all-clear wrap. Following the operational test, the study surveyed alert originators and radio broadcasters.”

According to GSS, Mark Lucero, program manager for IPAWS at FEMA, said the study “showed that FM RBDS is a viable communications technology at the state and local emergency manager level for disseminating emergency information.”

The manufacturer also snagged a supportive comment for its announcement from Gordon Smith, president/CEO of the NAB, who told the company, “The targeted alerting services that utilize the RBDS FM subcarrier technology enhance public safety because of the ubiquitous nature of FM radio.”

GSS provided a synopsis of the study, which includes info about where and how the tests were done.

From Radio Business Report/ Television Report-  http://www.rbr.com/radio/28246.html

FEMA study finds that FM alerting works

12 October, 2010 04:39:00

Global Security Systems (GSS) has announced the completion of a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)-funded study conducted by Northrop Grumman Corporation that confirms the effectiveness of FM radio-based alerts and warnings provided by ALERT FM. ALERT FM is the personal emergency alerting system that uses Radio Broadcast Data Service (RBDS) FM-subcarrier technology to deliver up to 240-character text messages to any electronic device with Alert FM software and an enabled FM radio receiver chip, including those that are mobile. AlertUs Technology and Metis Secure were part of the study.

The one-year, real-world study included continuous working demonstration of the ALERT FM system over a three-month period across three locales:  a college campus; four counties spread across two states; and a larger region.  The structured live demonstrations tested the effectiveness of ALERT FM by activating receivers; adhering to Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) requirements; implementing geo-targeting exercises; and executing an all-clear wrap.  Following the operational test, the study surveyed alert originators and radio broadcasters.

ALERT FM is a CAP-compliant solution capable of delivering both audio and data feeds to radio broadcasters.  More than 35 million people in 14 states have access to ALERT FM technology.  State broadcast associations from Alabama, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, and Tennessee, and radio groups K-LOVE, Air1, Commonwealth Broadcasting, and the Cromwell Group support ALERT FM for emergency alert messages in their states and markets. ALERT FM has been implemented at the university, state, county, and multi-county levels.

The ALERT FM system incorporates RBDS technology over the existing nationwide and redundant FM radio infrastructure to allow rapid dissemination of emergency alert messages to any audience based on geographic or organizational groupings.  ALERT FM can target FM-enabled devices in a single school, a football arena, or the entire country.  Plus, in times of disaster when cellular networks become overloaded, FM radio’s single-point to multiple-point transmission assures the delivery of critical information to a vast number of FM-enabled devices simultaneously.   In addition, ALERT FM “wakes up” the FM-enabled device when an emergency alert message is delivered.

According to Mark Lucero, Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) Program Manager, FEMA, “The demonstrations showed that FM RBDS is a viable communications technology at the state and local emergency manager level for disseminating emergency information.”

“In any emergency, expanding the availability of FM on a variety of devices will save more lives.  The targeted alerting services that utilize the RBDS FM subcarrier technology enhance public safety because of the ubiquitous nature of FM radio,” said NAB President & CEO Gordon Smith.

From Radio Magazine-  http://radiomagonline.com/currents/news/fema-study-effectiveness-alert-fm-1012/

FEMA Study Investigates Effectiveness of Alert FM

Oct 12, 2010 2:46 PM

Washington - Oct. 11, 2010 - A Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA)-funded study conducted by Northrop Grumman shows that FM radio-based alerts and warnings provided by the Global Security Systems Alert FM system are effective. Alert FM is a personal emergency alerting system that uses Radio Broadcast Data Service (RBDS) FM subcarriers to deliver up to 240-character text messages to any electronic device with Alert FM software and an enabled FM radio receiver chip. AlertUs Technology and Metis Secure were also part of the study.

The one-year study included continuous working demonstration of the Alert FM system over a three-month period across three locales: A college campus, four counties spread across two states, and a larger region. The structured live demonstrations tested the effectiveness of Alert FM by activating receivers, adhering to Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) requirements, implementing geo-targeting exercises and executing an all-clear wrap. Following the operational test, the study surveyed alert originators and radio broadcasters.

Alert FM is a CAP-compliant system that delivers audio and data feeds to radio broadcasters. State broadcast associations from Alabama, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, and Tennessee, and radio groups K-LOVE, Air1, Commonwealth Broadcasting, and the Cromwell Group support Alert FM for emergency alert messages in their states and markets.

According to Mark Lucero, Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) Program Manager at FEMA, "The demonstrations showed that FM RBDS is a viable communications technology at the state and local emergency manager level for disseminating emergency information."

"All of the collected data was analyzed against the FEMA-specified IPAWS key performance parameters and factors," says Northrop Grumman Program Manager Ed Dorchak. "This ensured an accurate evaluation of RBDS technology in terms of its ability to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the IPAWS alerts and warnings distribution infrastructure."

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the speed and penetration of federal, state, and local emergency alerts and warnings using RBDS systems. Northrop conducted a three month operational demonstration of RBDS technology implemented by three vendor partners Global Security Systems (GSS) Alert FM, Alertus Technologies and Metis Secure Solutions. During the operational period, which extended from March 8 - June 7 2010, the systems were used by emergency managers for real-world notifications as well as specific witnessed scenario demonstrations.

The demonstrated scenarios comprised a campus security incident scenario, a regional pandemic scenario, and a localized natural disaster scenario. The witnessed demonstrations were conducted on individual dates at specific campuses and at specific counties. Details of the witnessed scenarios follow:

1. Campus Security Incident
a. 25 March 2010 - County of Oktibbeha, MS, Mississippi State University (MSU), Starkville, MS
b. 13 April 2010 - Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), Pittsburgh
c. 4 May 2010 - Gallaudet University (GAL), Washington D.C.

2. Regional Pandemic
a. 12 May 2010 - Mississippi Counties of Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, County of Mobile Alabama, Pearl, MS, NGC Ingalls Shipyard 3. Localized Natural Disaster
a. 16 March 2010 - Missouri Western State University, St. Joseph, MO
b. 6 May 2010 - Shelby County, TN
c. 19 May 2010 - American University (AU), Howard University (HU), Georgetown University (GU), and George Washington University (GW), Washington D.C.

Data was collected from users of the vendor partner systems who received messages during the witnessed demonstrations. This data was collected in the form of survey responses; the survey responses were collected and analyzed by the Mississippi State University Social Science Research Center. Additional tailored survey response data was collected from alert originators, broadcasters using RBDS technology, and consumer electronics manufacturers who may incorporate RBDS technology into their products. In addition to survey data, data related to real-world events during the operational period and technical data related to system performance was also collected.

All data is being analyzed to evaluate RBDS technology against the FEMA-specified IPAWS key performance parameters and additional performance factors.

Government Study Confirms ALERT FM’s Radio-Based Data (RBDS) System is Viable for FEMA/IPAWS Emergency Alerts

October 11, 2010 -- Global Security Systems (GSS) has announced the completion of a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)-funded study conducted by Northrop Grumman Corporation that confirms the effectiveness of FM radio-based alerts and warnings provided by ALERT FM.  ALERT FM is the personal emergency alerting system that uses Radio Broadcast Data Service (RBDS) FM-subcarrier technology to deliver up to 240-character text messages to any electronic device with Alert FM software and an enabled FM radio receiver chip, including those that are mobile. AlertUs Technology and Metis Secure were part of the study.
 
The one-year, real-world study included continuous working demonstration of the ALERT FM system over a three-month period across three locales:  a college campus; four counties spread across two states; and a larger region.  The structured live demonstrations tested the effectiveness of ALERT FM by activating receivers; adhering to Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) requirements; implementing geo-targeting exercises; and executing an all-clear wrap.  Following the operational test, the study surveyed alert originators and radio broadcasters.
 
ALERT FM is a CAP-compliant solution capable of delivering both audio and data feeds to radio broadcasters.  More than 35 million people in 14 states have access to ALERT FM technology.  State broadcast associations from Alabama, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, and Tennessee, and radio groups K-LOVE, Air1, Commonwealth Broadcasting, and the Cromwell Group support ALERT FM for emergency alert messages in their states and markets. ALERT FM has been implemented at the university, state, county, and multi-county levels. 
 
The ALERT FM system incorporates RBDS technology over the existing nationwide and redundant FM radio infrastructure to allow rapid dissemination of emergency alert messages to any audience based on geographic or organizational groupings.  ALERT FM can target FM-enabled devices in a single school, a football arena, or the entire country.  Plus, in times of disaster when cellular networks become overloaded, FM radio’s single-point to multiple-point transmission assures the delivery of critical information to a vast number of FM-enabled devices simultaneously.  In addition, ALERT FM “wakes up” the FM-enabled device when an emergency alert message is delivered.
 
According to Mark Lucero, Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) Program Manager, FEMA, “The demonstrations showed that FM RBDS is a viable communications technology at the state and local emergency manager level for disseminating emergency information.”
 
Gordon Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Broadcasters and former U.S. Senator noted, “In any emergency, expanding the availability of FM on a variety of devices will save more lives.  The targeted alerting services that utilize the RBDS FM subcarrier technology enhance public safety because of the ubiquitous nature of FM radio.”
 
“All of the collected data was analyzed against the FEMA-specified IPAWS key performance parameters and factors,” stated Program Manager for Northrop Grumman Ed Dorchak.  “This ensured an accurate evaluation of RBDS technology in terms of its ability to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the IPAWS alerts and warnings distribution infrastructure.” 

“The advent of new and advanced technologies, such as integrated FM antennas and power-saving, low profile chipsets, has made inclusion of an FM radio receiver in mobile consumer electronics devices a technically feasible solution,” noted Robert L. Adams, President and Chief Executive Officer, GSS.   “By delivering audio and data-based message alerts, ALERT FM utilizes more of the FM band spectrum to maximize the number of people that can be reached at any given time.”

Jason Volk, Chief Executive Officer for Alertus Technologies, one of the participants in the RBDS study, observed, “The FEMA IPAWS study demonstrated the effectiveness of leveraging existing tier one infrastructure to deliver lifesaving alerts to building-occupants when all else fails.”

About Global Security Systems and ALERT FM: Global Security Systems (GSS) is a systems integrator, service provider, and manufacturer of the ALERT FM and GSSNet satellite delivery system.  Global Security Systems has participated in the development of IPAWS-based systems, is a member of the Commercial Mobile Alert Service systems committee, and is actively involved with several EAS and CAP committees.  The Global Security Systems nationwide GSSNet satellite delivery system for emergency alerts currently is in operation now at over 450 locations and growing daily.  It includes the ability to generate and deliver CAP messages.

RBDS study PR v.10B.pdf (90.06 kb)

ALERT FM
THE CMAS-READY CELL PHONE SHOWCASE
A Technology Solution to Satisfy CMAS Requirements

Table Number 42 at the RCA Show

The Rural Cellular Association (RCA) Show – Myrtle Beach, SC - Around the globe, consumers receive free, local radio on their mobile phones.  Come see what the buzz is about at the CMAS-Ready Cell Phone Showcase, Table 42 at the RCA Show.

The advent of new cellular handset technologies, such as integrated FM antennas and power-saving, low profile chipsets, has made inclusion of an FM radio receiver in mobile consumer electronics devices a technically feasible solution. 

Beyond the availability of entertaining local radio programming, the exhibit showcases cellular’s emergency alerting capabilities, including ALERT FM -- the FM-based RBDS alert messaging system from Global Security Systems (GSS) -- to demonstrate the power of radio chips in cellular handsets to keep citizens informed in times of crisis.  The solution will satisfy the Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS) requirements from the FCC.

According to President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Gordon Smith, “Even when cellular networks are overloaded, radio's nationwide and redundant coverage provides lifesaving information when a mobile phone is equipped with a functioning radio chip.”

“The audio and data-based message alerting from ALERT FM expands the Emergency Alert System (EAS) for radio broadcasters, and the additional FM-delivery pathway enhances the benefit to public safety in an emergency,” said Robert L. Adams, President and Chief Executive Officer, GSS. 

The ALERT FM technology solution is being demonstrated during the RCA Show at Table 42.  Please stop by.

CMAS SHOWCASE for press kit v.2B.pdf (82.37 kb)

On September 8, 2009, US Congress issued a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) urging DHS and the FCC to consider extending radio EAS information to the American public via mobile phone handsets. FCC Chairman Genachowski issued a reply letter to Congress on March 18, 2010. In that letter Chairman Genachowski stated.....

As you may be aware, on April 9, 2008, the Commission released its First Report and Order adopting technologically neutral rules for the CMAS. In that Order, the Commission considered the comments filed by supporters of FM-based emergency alert technologies, and ultimately concluded that it would “not require or prohibit the use of ALERT-FM . . . or similar systems as the basis of the CMAS.” CMAS participants, then, are free to adopt FM-based technologies as they desire.
 

The complete letter can be seen below.......

 http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/view?id=7020400159

http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/view?id=7020400152

from  http://www.demopolistimes.com/2010/09/30/alert-fm-on-line-in-marengo-county/

Alert FM on-line in Marengo County [UPDATED]
Published 11:39am Thursday, September 30, 2010
 

Alabama Emergency Management Agency announced today that ALERT FM has been successfully implemented in nine west central Alabama counties.  Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Marengo, Pickens, Sumter, and Wilcox counties are the first counties in the State using this new emergency notification technology. AEMA purchased this system for these counties using National Weather Service grant funding obtained for this project.

ALERT FM is an FM radio-based emergency notification system that allows county officials to send targeted messages to residents, schools, businesses, and first responders who are equipped with an ALERT FM receiver. Types of messages that might be received include weather warnings, school closings, and evacuation notices and instructions. Receivers will be available for purchase at local hardware or electronics retailers in the area for around $40.

“ALERT FM allows broadcasters across the State to strengthen their commitment to keeping their communities safe. It allows them to participate in a network that provides targeted, potentially life-saving information to first responders, businesses, and citizens,” said Sharon Tinsley, president of the Alabama Broadcasters Association.