Panel mulls alternatives to tornado sirens

http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20120127/NEWS01/201270309

The local Emergency Planning Committee met Thursday to discuss an alternative to the sirens that alert the community to the presence of tornadoes.

"We are looking into not just using sirens, because they're so restrictive," said Marty Clements, director of the Madison County Emergency Management Agency. "It costs a whole lot of money to keep them up and running. We're trying to find the best and most economical ways to take care of people."

The 47 sirens in the county are becoming dated and cost roughly $25,000 to replace. A representative from Alert FM spoke to the group about a system that could be more effective and potentially replace the sirens. Jim Lowery explained that relying on televisions or cell phones alone is not an efficient method of staying informed. Power outages happen, and
network issues can arise when numerous people try to make outgoing calls at the same time.

"We take the infrastructure that is already in place, that is the local public or commercial FM radio, and we use that to send out the notifications," Lowery said. "They can be weather warnings or anything the EMA group wishes to send out to a local  community."

Those messages are broadcast through portable, battery-powered receivers that can be purchased for about $39.99. The receiver is a warning device and does not provide a steady stream of information. Its purpose is to alert the user so that he or she can then utilize some other source for more details, including a television or smart phone.

Organizations represented at the committee meeting included Jackson Energy Authority, Jackson-Madison County Health Department, Jackson Police Department, Jackson Fire Department, Salvation Army Disaster Services, American Red Cross and several others.

It also was mentioned that February is Earthquake Awareness Month. For more information about participating in a drill scheduled for at 10:15 a.m. Feb. 7, visit  www.shakeout.org.

GSS and Trispec Collaborate to Bring ALERT FM to Canada
Alert and Emergency Notification to be key Market

St. Leonard, QUEBEC - November 1st, 2011 - Global Security Systems (GSS) and Trispec Communications announced today their collaboration in the alerting market with the introduction of ALERT FM, GSS’s comprehensive emergency notification system, into Canada. ALERT FM is already deployed extensively throughout the United States and more than 60 million people have access to the technology.

“Trispec is pleased to introduce the ALERT FM system into the Canadian market and plans to offer the same product, services, and support that has made the system as success in the United States,” Claude Mailhot, Trispec director of strategic vendor relations, said. “Trispec is committed to the development of the alert and messaging service business in Canada and will provide engineering design, integration and installation, and service to Canadian clients across the country.”

ALERT FM allows provincial and local officials to send digital information via the Radio Data System (“RDS”) - data subcarrier- of local FM radio stations, SMS (text) or email so that first responders, schools, businesses, or citizens can receive emergency information in mere seconds. This information can be received on fixed or mobile receivers, or on other consumer devices such PDAs, cell phones and other specialized receivers in the future. Types of notifications might include weather warnings, evacuation notices, Amber Alerts, plant or school closings, utility notices, or traffic alerts.

The reliability and redundancy of ALERT FM’s use of RDS lies in its use of pre-existing network of towers, which in turn provides overlapping coverage of an area. These overlapping towers provide rapid message transmission even when other communication transmissions are disrupted.

“GSS is very excited about working with Trispec to expand our ALERT FM system into Canada. We look forward to providing provincial and local officials with proven technology that has the potential to provide life-saving information to the citizens of Canada,” Robert L. Adams, president and CEO of Global Security Systems, said.

###

About GSS/ ALERT FM:
GSS is the systems integrator, service provider, and manufacturer of ALERT FM, an FM radio-based alert and messaging system that incorporates RDS technology to digital information using conventional FM radio infrastructure to a targeted audience. This information can be received specially designed ALERT FM receivers or any device equipped with a standard FM chip. ALERT FM has been implemented at the university, state, county and multi-county levels. More than 60 million people in 14 US States and 15 thousand people in Canada have access to ALERT FM technology.

Founded in 2002, GSS has its headquarters in Jackson, Mississippi (USA), with offices in Florida, Louisiana, Washington D.C., and Sweden. For more information visit www.alertfm.com or www.gssnet.us.

About Trispec:

Trispec engineering the how™ is an engineering and systems integration company that specializes in the design, supply and building of communications networks, Test and Measurement platforms, and alert-messaging systems. Trispec recently supplied and supported deployments of over-the-air CAP-CP EAS decoding systems for Emergency Management departments in Alberta and Nova Scotia.  Trispec has offices and warehouses in Montreal, Toronto and Calgary. Reach us at www.trispec.com

PRESS RELEASE

October 25, 2011

Contacts: St. Clair Township, ON          St. Clair County, MI
Steven Bicum, 519-481-0111                 Jeff Friedland, 810-989-6325
sbicum@twp.stclair.on.ca                      jfriedland@stclaircounty.org

Bluewater Community Alerting Network

Tuesday October 25, 2011 marks the launch of the Bluewater Community Alerting Network between the U.S. and Canadians.  A press conference will be held at 1:00 PM on the Blue Water Ferry in the St. Clair River between Sombra, ON and Marine City, MI.

Roy Dewhirst, Fire Chief of St. Clair Township, Ontario and Jeff Friedland, Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director of St. Clair County, Michigan announced the implementation of a cooperative cross-border project called the Bluewater Community Alerting Network.  The network will utilize Alert FM devices to deliver emergency notifications and alerts to the public and other recipients such as emergency responders, schools, public officials, and cross-border emergency managers. Emergency messages can be targeted toward organizational groups or geographical areas to deliver weather warnings, evacuation or shelter-in-place instructions, Amber Alerts, and homeland security notices.

“As St. Clair County [MI] contains several neighboring communities with St. Clair Township [ON], being divided only by the St. Clair River, what affects one community is likely to affect the other.  Collaboration on keeping our residents safe was a logical step,” commented Friedland.  In agreement, Dewhirst said, “If severe weather is impacting St. Clair County, we know it is headed our way.  I am very pleased about this partnership and the communication gaps the project will bridge between government officials and residents.”

Alert FM deployment was possible due to the cooperation of Wonderful News Radio (WNFA 88.3 & WNFR 90.7) and Radio First (WSAQ 107.1) on the American side of the river and Blackburn Radio (CHKS 106.3) on the Canadian side.  Emergency information is delivered to Alert FM devices through data subcarriers on the towers of the participating radio stations.

To receive potentially life-threatening information, residents and businesses will need to purchase an Alert FM receiver.  The receivers, which are portable and light, use a battery backup in case of power outages and send an audible alert as well as text to alert the residents.  Alert FM devices can be purchased at:

St. Clair Township, ON

St. Clair Township
Emergency Services Building
392 Lyndoch St
Corunna ON
(519) 481-0111

St. Clair Township
Civic Centre
1155 Emily St
Mooretown ON
(519) 867-2021

Corunna Home Hardware
372 Lyndoch
Corunna ON
(519) 862-5100

St. Clair County, MI

East China Township               Lakeport Market               Port Huron Township
5111 River Rd.                        7096 3rd St.                        Fire Department
East China                                Lakeport                           3848 Lapeer Rd.
(810) 765-8879                        (810) 385-3330                 Port Huron
       (810) 982-7129

Steve Arnold, Mayor of St. Clair Township, is very excited about this cross-border project. “The Bluewater Community Alerting Network will offer a notification system that will target the appropriate people with the right information to protect our families in the event of a pending natural disaster or an incident that could affect our communities. I would like to thank all of those on both sides of the St Clair River for their vision and cooperative nature to make this system a reality for the citizens in our communities.”

Jeff Bohm, Chairperson of the St. Clair County Board of Commissioners, said, “I am proud of the efforts put forth to establish cross-border collaboration and get the network up and running.  I hope this is one of many projects that can be implemented through partnerships with our Canadian neighbors.”

For more information on the Bluewater Community Alerting Network, contact Steven Bicum, Deputy Fire Chief, St. Clair Township, ON at 519-481-0111 or sbicum@twp.stclair.on.ca or Jeff Friedland, Director of the St. Clair County, MI Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management at 810-989-6325 or jfriedland@stclaircounty.org. 

Press Event Press Release.pdf (79.91 kb)

****************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Media Coverage Links

The Obeserver (Sarnia)- "New emergency warning devices unveiled"

The Observer (Sarnia)- "New devices to warn St. Clair of chemical spills, tornadoes"

Lampton Shield- "Updated: St. Clair Township offers subsidized FM Alert system to residents......"

The Fox light hits 99.9 FM- "ALERT FM"

1380AM WPHM- "New Alert System Floated"

excerted from Rick Wimberly & Lorin Bristow's Alert & Notifications Blog (Emergency Management Magazine)- http://www.emergencymgmt.com/emergency-blogs/alerts/New-EAS-System-in-101311.html

New EAS system in Alabama speeds Alerts

In the over 40 years I've known lots of broadcast engineers, it's hard to remember times when they showed much enthusiasm and satisfaction over anything...especially the Emergency Alert System (EAS).  They are just not an outwardly enthusiastic group.  Well, I found one who's wearing his enthusiasm and satisfaction quite brightly.  He's Larry Wilkins, state EAS coordinator for Alabama.  Alabama has upgraded its statewide EAS system, which Wilkins says is unlike any other system in the country and he's clearly proud.

The new system does a number of things differently - all designed to make sure EAS alerts are heard and seen by the public faster and that they contain more information.  One of the things Wilkins is particularly proud of is the new system's use of the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP).  He says it provides important new capability for public safety officials to create messages that can contain much more information than the old way including pre-recorded audio messages (say, recorded by the governor or other officials), digital attachments (say, pictures of Amber Alert victims), and text-to-speech messages (without counting on dispatchers to be announcers).  Plus, he says, capability will be enhanced even more through the new system's ability to work with IPAWS, the federal alerting initiative.

Even with the new capabilities, Wilkins says public officials will have fewer activation steps through the system Alabama bought (called GSSNet Alert Studio).  He says the two tests conducted so far were "100% successful both times", and public safety officials were enthused about how simple it was.
Wilkins says they were able to build the system statewide for around $60,000 which was financed by the Alabama Broadcasters Association at no cost to local officials or radio and TV stations.  Wilkins says ABA felt strongly that they really needed to get the system running soon to have something more reliable than the old system. 

Wilkins says the old "daisy chain" system formerly used in Alabama and currently used in most other states is "not really reliable because of potential breaks in the system".  When it breaks at a single point, no one downstream gets the message.  Through the new system, says Wilkins, the messages are delivered "first hand" to broadcasters.

No doubt about it, Wilkins is enthused.  He said it was a "real treat to get it working".   I'm sure he wouldn't mind talking to public safety officials elsewhere outside Alabama who have questions.  And we sure wouldn't mind putting you in touch with him.
All the best,
 
Rick
 
www.galainsolutions.com

New EAS System in Alabama Speeds Alerts.pdf (651.57 kb)

excerpt from the NJBA comments filed before the FCC regarding a review of EAS. The entire comment review is attached for your reference.

BEFORE THE
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554

NJBA_EAS_Filed Comments_EB_Docket_No__04-296.pdf (1.62 mb)

European Debut for the ALERT FM Emergency Warning System at IBC 2011

WorldCast Systems Adds the ALERT FM Emergency Audio and Text System to its Portfolio of Radio Products

Bordeaux-Mérignac -- September 6, 2011-- ALERT FM is proud to announce its European expansion as part of the WorldCast Systems extensive suite of turnkey solutions for broadcasters.   The ALERT FM comprehensive emergency audio and text-based warning system is the perfect complement to the group’s established range of Audemat RDS encoders, and will be showcased at the WorldCast Systems’ booth during IBC 2011. 

ALERT FM already is deployed extensively throughout the United States, enabling emergency managers to reach large numbers of the population with mass notifications sent via radio stations in audio, text, and email.

Group VP of Sales for WorldCast Systems, Christophe Poulain, explained, “Recent events such as the earthquakes in Japan and Spain have highlighted the need for prompt and wide-reaching emergency notifications in many countries worldwide. To efficiently implement such a scheme requires the involvement of government, broadcasters, and system integrators throughout the world.  We see ALERT FM as the perfect approach to bring these groups together and implement a fully integrated, comprehensive, and reliable solution capable of reaching millions of citizens within a matter of seconds.”

ALERT FM provides government officials at national and local levels the ability to create and send digital alert text and audio messages to multiple fixed and mobile devices equipped with a standard FM chip.  ALERT FM uses the reliable FM radio broadcast platform to deliver emergency alert text messages to radio listeners at large, or specifically defined audiences such as those within municipalities, counties, college and corporate campuses, sports arenas, convention halls, shopping malls, or even individual schools, dorms, or business buildings. ALERT FM technology will deliver text alerts comprised of up to 240 characters and will even ‘wake up’ ‘sleeping’ ALERT FM–enabled devices to broadcast the local EAS audio message and display corresponding text alerts, further enhancing public safety.

The overlapping signals of FM stations ensure rapid message transmission, even when other communications systems are disrupted. FM broadcasters participating in this network become a critical link in local emergency communication and gain the ability to generate revenue from their RDS capabilities.

The ALERT FM solution will be demonstrated at WorldCast Systems’ booth 8.B50 during IBC in Amsterdam, September 9 to the 13, 2011.

About GSST  and ALERT FM
Global Security Systems Technology, LLC, of Lafayette, Louisiana is the provider of ALERT FM,  a personal alert and messaging system that delivers emergency audio and text information from state and local governments and private sector officials to targeted recipients using the data subcarrier of local FM radio stations and GSSNet, a satellite data delivery network.  ALERT FM has been implemented at the university, state, county, and multi-county levels. More than 40 million people in 14 states have access to ALERT FM technology.

European Debut for ALERT FM Emergency Warning System at IBC 2011.pdf (132.73 kb)

Smartphone Radio Chip Gets Boost from TV Station (Video) 

taken from RBR online ( http://www.rbr.com/radio/smartphone-radio-chip-gets-big-boost-from-tv-station-video.html)

To See the Video- Click Here

to se the video Having an FM chip in every single smartphone sold in America should not be an option, it should be a service provided by every telecom company out there as a matter of public interest. So says Mike Smythe, VP/GM of Raycom’s CBS KFVS-TV 12 out of Cape Girardeau MO. Smythe called on smartphone providers to do the right thing and turn on the chips that are already in most models, at no charge to consumers, no less.

KFVS serves the Paducah-Cape Girardeau-Harrisburg-Mt. Vernon DMA, and Smythe used his own chunk of spectrum to go to bat for the safety and well-being of his own viewers in the event of a natural or manmade disaster. In an editorial, he said that an activated FM radio chip should be a free service provided in every single smartphone out there as a simple matter of public safety.

Smythe had to go no farther back in history than the recent devastating tornadoes in Joplin and elsewhere. Cell towers were downed, rendering mobile phones useless. But radio stations were still up and running, providing critical information to the devastated area. He said there is absolutely no question that every person in that area with a mobile device would have loved to have access to radio during that excruciatingly difficult time.

Most of the rest of the world has FM available on their mobile device, noted Smythe, and he said 50% call broadcast radio one of the top three features on their phone.

In short, putting an FM chip in FM chip in the phones should not be an option, it should be an obligation.
In his piece, Smythe quoted Emmis honcho and FM chip proponent Jeff Smulyan , who said, “There is no reason for cell providers not to turn on the FM signal chip as a public service. It is the right thing to do for our safety.”

Smythe added, “This should be in every smartphone at no charge by the provider.” He concluded, “Tell your cell phone provider that the FM chip is not an option, the chip is for your safety, and with your help we can get this done.”

RBR-TVBR observation: We had a man-made disaster in our market a few years back – it involved an attack on the Pentagon, and for many hours nobody knew if there were going to be further attacks on Washington DC. It didn’t take knocking down cell phone towers to render them useless – they simply could not handle the sudden surge in use. No amount of TV station spectrum is going to solve that problem. But the presence of a smartphone FM chip would have kept thousands upon thousands of pedestrians and mass transit users informed with critical and possibly life and death information.

We are proud of the fact that broadcasters are the unchallenged leaders when it comes to serving the public interest, particularly in times of emergency. And we wonder why telcos wouldn’t want to come forward and do their part in serving the public interest. And we further wonder why Washington – which has first-hand experience with this – doesn’t hold them to the same public interest standards that broadcasters serve.

taken from the front page of the June 22, 2011 issue of TVTechnology (http://tvtechnology.com/article/121980)

FCC Launches Alert System for Mobile

by Joey Gill

NEW YORK—Last month the FCC announced its rollout of a new alert system designed to send emergency warnings to mobile devices. In a press event at Ground Zero in New York, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski and FEMA Administrator W. Craig Fugate, along with top executives from the major wireless carriers, announced that PLAN, the Personal Localized Alert Warning system will be online in New York City by the end of 2011. PLAN is required to be implemented nationwide by April 2012, which means New York City will be an early adopter.

U.S. citizens have been served by the same EAS system since 1997 (an update to the Emergency Broadcast System, which was put into place in 1963), which primarily relies upon radio, television, and the National Weather Service radio alert service. The FCC chairman touted the new service as a way to bring emergency alert systems into the 21st century and reflect new modes of communications.

"Communications technology, and in particular mobile broadband, has the potential to revolutionize emergency response," he said. Bloomberg said, "given the kinds of threats made against New York City at the World Trade Center, Times Square, and other popular places with visitors and tourists, we'll be even safer when authorities can broadcast warnings to everyone in a geographic area, regardless of where they came from or bought their phone."

Administrator Fugate added that the new technology "could become a lifeline for millions of Americans and is another tool that will strengthen our nation's resilience against all hazards. Following the devastating tornadoes in the Southeast, we are witnessing yet again the critical role the public plays as a part of our nation's emergency management team. Making sure that they get useful and life-saving information, quickly and easily, right on their mobile phones, will help more people get out of harm's way when a threat exists."

The new mobile device alert system is based on the CMAS requirement, which is part of the WARN Act.

ACRONYMS GALORE

The WARN (Warning Alert and Response Network) Act, was signed into law in October 2006, reportedly as a response to heightened national security threats. The WARN Act contained requirements leading to PLAN (Personal Localized Alerting Network), IPAWS (Integrated Public Alerts and Warning System), and CMAS (Commercial Mobile Alert System). The backbone of these systems is the XML-based CAP (Common Alert Protocol).

In short, CAP-formatted messages generated by local or state emergency information managers will be forwarded not only to local broadcasters, but also to the FEMA IPAWS aggregator. National emergency information will be delivered directly from the national level by the "aggregator," which will distribute the message through all means authorized. The aggregator will have interfaces to distribute messages to traditional broadcast media via the EAS, to cellular devices via the Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS), to NOAA Weather Radio, to Internet services via network interfaces, and to unique state and local systems that are IPAWS CAP compliant (such as Emergency Telephone Networks, Radio Broadcast Data Systems, siren, and/or signage systems). The governing federal agencies responsible for EAS are the FCC, FEMA, and NOAA's NWS.

THREE TYPES OF ALERTS

While most broadcasters are familiar with EAS, AMBER, and now, WARN, IPAWS and CAP XML protocol, CMAS is the latest subject to hit the press and may be the least understood. Basically, CMAS allows emergency information to be distributed to cell phone users, free of charge (as long as there is an active wireless subscription). There will be three types of CMAS alerts:
- Presidential Alerts
- Imminent Threat Alerts
- America's Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response (AMBER) Alerts.

All but Presidential Alerts will allow the subscribers to opt-out of notification. These alerts are eventually expected to reach 87 percent of the population (about 270 million subscribers). The 90-character (limit) alert messages will contain five elements in the following order: Event Type or Category, Area Affected, Recommended Action, Expiration Time (with time zone), and Sending Agency. While a second language may be available in the future, current technology limits the messages to English only. The alert tone will be very specific for both polyphonic and monophonic devices, and can only be used for CMAS Alerts. In vibrate mode, there is a specific pattern as well, which can only be used CMAS Alerts.

One feature of CMAS that is similar to EAS is the fact that there will be required monthly tests. For CMAS, however, the tests will not reach the end user. Each local wireless infrastructure will have test and compliance logging. According to Brian Josef, assistant vice president, regulatory affairs for CTIA—The Wireless Association, "we don't want to have the subscribers de-sensitized to the alerts; we feel that it will detract from their effectiveness."

Unlike EAS, which interrupts broadcasts, a CMAS Alert will not interrupt a phone conversation or data session. Richard Rudman, vice chair-California EAS State Emergency Communications Committee, says "if CMAS warnings do not interrupt calls or data sessions, it could render the system useless. People should be able to opt-in for interruptions and the monthly tests."

While participation by the wireless carriers is voluntary, the carriers have already had to opt in or out, according to Josef. With the carriers already committed, Josef indicates that 97 percent of subscribers will be covered by CMAS in the U.S.

FM ALTERNATIVE

Another choice for wireless customers to receive emergency information is the availability of FM receivers in their mobile devices. While there is some heated opposition by the Consumer Electronics Association, CTIA—The Wireless Association, and the music recording industry against the NAB's push for mandated FM chip placement in mobile devices, many mobile devices are already available that are FM enabled. "With 41 FM equipped handsets currently available to wireless customers, the CTIA doesn't see the need for any technology mandate," Josef said.

For FM-enabled devices, there are technologies such as AlertFM (CAP compliant) that can provide targeted-first alerts, and even "awaken" mobile devices for emergency alerts. Recently, Pickens County, Alabama, Emergency Management Director Ken Gibson confirmed that the ALERT FM system functioned exceptionally well, and without interruption, during their multiple tornado storm warnings. According to AlertFM, one advantage of the FM-based delivery system, in contrast to just cellular signals, is that FM cannot suffer from overloads placed on the system, most notably during high-volume usage like in an emergency.

While Rudman acknowledged that "for survivability, the U.S. needs many different alert platforms, including TV, radio, and mobile—and although mobile technologies like CMAS will alert the public—the populous will turn to tried and true sources for further information, such as television and radio for in-depth real-time reporting."

FCC Launches Alert System for Mobile.pdf (617.14 kb)

Alabama Designates The GSS Alert Studio for CAP-EAS Alerts

First Statewide Satellite CAP-EASDelivery to LP1/LP2 FM Stations with Sage Endec

GSSNet Partners with HughesNet to Add Internet Dissemination to its FM Platform

 June 15, 2011 –Marking the first statewide Common Alert Protocol (CAP)-compliant rollout in the United States for creating and retrieving emergency alerts,  the GSS Alert Studio from Global Security Systems (GSS) has been designated the official origination and retrieval tool for Alabama’s Emergency Alert System (EAS).

“Fast and secure access to shared information is essential for federal, state, and local agencies to prepare for emergencies and to respond in an effective and coordinated manner when disaster strikes,” observed Larry Wilkins, Chairman, Alabama State Emergency Communications Committee(SECC).   “That demands the kind of integrated and highly reliable information network architecture that the GSS Alert Studio delivers.”

Once generated in the GSS Alert Studio, the CAP-EAS messages are sent across the GSSNet dedicated satellite network to Sage Endec units in Local Primary 1 and 2 (LP1/LP2) FM radio stations across Alabama.  The GSS Alert Studio can create and retrieve alerts in multiple formats -- WAV/MP3 files, live text to speech (including in Spanish), and live recorded messages -- that are disseminated on a national, regional or hyper-local basis to receivers of AM, FM and HD radio signals. 

“GSS delivers the CAP-EAS solution that broadcasters need to meet the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requirements,” observed Sharon Tinsley, President of the Alabama Broadcasters Association (ABA) and the National Association of State Broadcast Associations (NASBA).  “The GSS System is a benefit to Alabama stations and their public service responsibilities.”

In addition to dissemination of alert messages over the GSSNet, the GSS Alert Studio secured web-portal design now allows the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) to create and distribute CAP-EAS messages statewide through a dedicated Internet broadband satellite uplink provided by HughesNet.

“Satellite communications solutions from GSSNet with HughesNet provide the vital links when disaster strikes, providing an instant Internet infrastructure when terrestrial communications are damaged, overloaded or completely knocked out," said Tony Bardo, Vice President of Government Solutions,Hughes.

Recently, GSS’s ALERT FM system delivered life-saving emergencyaudio and text alert messages to Alabama residents during the devastating tornadoes that tore across the South.  ALERT FM uses FM radio platformand Radio Broadcast Data Service (RBDS) to deliver text alerts up to 240-characters to any electronic device with ALERT FM software and an enabled FM radio receiver chip. 

 “We are honored that the state of Alabama has selected the GSS Alert Studio with GSSNet and HughesNet dissemination along with ALERT FM as integral elements of its Emergency Alert System,” noted Robert Adams, President and Chief Executive Officer, GSS.  “We plan to provide this multi-formatted and dependable resource that is always in place and ready for action to other states soon.”

The GSS Alert Studio, the GSSNet FM-based delivery platform, and the ALERT FM audio and text messaging systemprovide a complete end-to-end CAP source, transport, and broadcast dissemination system to cable, television, and radio, as well as wireless devices, including mobile phones. 

About Hughes Network Systems
Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES) is the world’s leading provider of satellite broadband for home and office, delivering innovative network technologies, managed services and solutions for enterprises and governments globally. HughesNet® is the #1 highspeed satellite Internet service in the marketplace, with offerings to suit every budget. To date, HUGHES has shipped more than 2.5 million systems to customers in over 100 countries, representing over 50 percent market share. Its products employ global standards approved by TIA, ETSI and ITU organizations, including IPoS/DVB-S2, RSM-A, and GMR-1.
Headquartered outside Washington, D.C., in Germantown, Maryland, USA, Hughes Network Systems, LLC (Hughes) operates sales and support offices worldwide, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hughes Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: HUGH). For more information, please visit www.hughes.com.

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 300 locations and growing daily.  It includes the ability to generate and deliver CAP messages.

GSS Alert Studio in Alabama FINAL FINAL.doc (164.00 kb)

Could this clock radio possibly save your life?
Announcing the new iLive ICP312 that features the potentially
life-saving ALERT FM technology

Contacts:
Philip Troutwine
314-657-2374
marketing@dpiinc.com

May 27, 2011 (St. Louis, MO) — The brand name iLive® (pronounced “I live”) will take on important new significance when the life-saving potential of ALERT FM is married to the brand’s innovative, new ICP312 Clock Radio for use with iPhones® and iPods® later this year. iLive, a St. Louis-based Digital Products International (DPI) brand, is a leading maker of iPod and iPhone-compatible devices designed to enhance customers’ entertainment experiences and convenience. The ICP312 is one of many near-term iLive products that will feature the potentially life-saving ALERT FM technology.

ALERT FM uses the reliable FM platform to deliver emergency alert text messages to radio listeners at large, or specifically defined audiences such as those within municipalities, counties, college and corporate campuses, sports arenas, convention halls, shopping malls, or even individual schools, dorms, or business buildings. ALERT FM technology will deliver text alerts comprised of up to 240 characters and will even “wake up” “sleeping” ALERT FM–enabled devices to broadcast the local EAS audio message and display corresponding text alerts, further enhancing the awareness of safety alerts.

iLive’s innovative, application-enhanced ICP312 Clock Radio features an iPod/iPhone dock so you can fall asleep and wake to your favorite iPod and iPhone music or the clock’s radio station or alarm buzzer. Couples will appreciate the ICP312’s dual alarms that also can be set for differing weekday/weekend times, and the ICP312’s thoughtful gradual-wake system slowly increases the alarm volume to ease you into your day. Play music; stream Pandora®, LastFM, and other radio apps; listen to podcasts, audiobooks and more — all while charging your iPod or Iphone.

Model Name: App-enhanced Clock Radio for iPhone + iPod Specifications (PICK UP)

###

About iLive
iLive is a brand division of the Digital Products International (DPI, Inc.) family of consumer electronic products. The company’s in-house team of industrial designers and electronics engineers combines the most innovative and performance-driven feature sets with trendy and unique designs focusing on today’s style and performance. iLive delivers maximum audio/video performance with visual impact. iLive products are found at regional and national retail outlets. For more information on iLive and its products and services, visit www.ilive.net.

About DPI, Inc.
DPI, Inc.’s corporate headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri houses its engineering, logistics and design groups as well as 190,000 square feet of domestic warehouse space. DPI, Inc. also has offices in Asia that provide engineering, design, logistics, quality control, and global product management services. Currently, DPI, Inc. is the corporate umbrella for the brands iLive, GPX, Culinair, WeatherX, and ZLive. DPI and its brands have formed an environmentally responsible alliance with a commitment to the development of energy efficient products, and innovative and responsible green programs designed to protect for today and sustain for tomorrow. For more information on DPI, Inc. and its products and services, visit www.dpiinc.com.

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.

MANDATORY & DISCLAIMERS
iPod is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. iPhone is a trademark of Apple Inc. All other trademarks appearing herein are the property of their respective owners.

iLive-PR-052711.pdf (90.94 kb)