Want Silent Phone Alerts for Emergencies? FCC Asks You
Published Date: 3/18/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FCC wants to give people more control over Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on their phones, like the option to silence some alerts. They’re also asking for ideas on how to make these alerts better so fewer people turn them off. If you care about how emergency messages reach you, speak up by April 17, 2025!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
More messages may be marked Public Safety
The FCC proposes to let alert originators send more Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) using the "Public Safety Message" classification by removing the current requirement that those messages must supplement another alert. This proposal was adopted February 27, 2025 and is open for comment through April 17, 2025.
Option to silence or customize alerts
The FCC seeks comment on letting subscribers silence or further customize how they receive WEAs (for example, turning off the Attention Signal or changing vibration patterns or volume for certain alert classes). The proposal asks whether devices should allow settings like silent-by-default for Public Safety Messages and whether originators should be able to override subscriber settings.
Push to reduce opt-outs and improve opt-out clarity
The FCC seeks comments on steps to reduce the rate at which subscribers opt out of certain WEA classes and to ensure providers give a clear indication and examples of what opting out means. The FCC also asks whether some mobile device user-interface designs that encourage opt-out should be prohibited and whether manufacturers' designs affect opt-out rates.
Improve timeliness and accuracy of alerts
The FCC asks for input on measures to improve the timeliness and accuracy of WEA alerts and to enhance coordination among local authorities, alert software vendors, and Participating Commercial Mobile Service providers to avoid delayed or inaccurate alerts.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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