Revolutionizing Lifesaving Measures through Television Technology Advancements

In the wake of the devastating hurricanes Helene and Milton that caused billions of dollars in economic damage and unimaginable pain across the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking innovative solutions to improve emergency alert systems.

One such solution is the adoption of NextGen TV technology, which is being considered for both civilian notifications and first responder communications. PBS North Carolina has taken the lead in this initiative, developing a NextGen TV system for first responders covering over 10,000 square miles.

The benefits of NextGen TV extend beyond improved pictures and sound. It offers new features such as advanced emergency alerting and messaging with rich multimedia content and geotargeting. Moreover, NextGen TV allows for data delivery independent from audio or video streams, making it a promising solution for emergency communications.

Broadcast television facilities have proven to be very dependable during storms, with very few failing despite widespread power outages. In contrast, cellular communications systems, which require multiple cell tower sites, are more vulnerable. With the advent of 5G technologies, even more towers are needed due to their higher operating transmission frequencies and shorter reception range.

Recognizing this vulnerability, the FCC is exploring the use of satellites for delivering emergency alerts. In response to the FCC's request, PBS North Carolina proposed adapting their NextGen TV technology for civilian notifications. If approved, this could provide a reliable alternative for delivering critical information when traditional communication methods fail.

The California and Hawaii wildfires in 2023 highlighted the need for such alternatives. During these disasters, cellphone tower sites were often down, making it difficult to deliver emergency alerts. The organization that submitted a request to the FCC in 2023 to explore this possibility remains unnamed, but the potential for satellite-based emergency alerts is undeniable.

Relief teams are currently working tirelessly to restore normalcy to the affected regions, but the adoption of NextGen TV technology could bring lifesaving applications to the public sooner. By accelerating the rollout of NextGen TV, the broadcast industry is expected to provide critical emergency communications to civilians, ensuring they stay informed and safe during future crises.