HR7022-119

What This Bill Does

The Mystic Alerts Act extends Wireless Emergency Alert rules to satellite-capable commercial mobile service. In the introduced version, each commercial mobile service provider that voluntarily elects to transmit emergency alerts under the Warning, Alert, and Response Network Act must file an election with the Federal Communications Commission saying whether it also intends to transmit those alerts by satellite to subscribers or users.

If a provider elects to transmit satellite alerts, it must notify the FCC and agree to follow FCC technical standards, protocols, procedures, interoperability requirements, and other requirements. If it elects not to transmit satellite alerts, it must notify new and existing subscribers in the same way current Wireless Emergency Alert opt-out notices are handled. Providers that do send satellite alerts must respect subscriber opt-outs and prevent opted-out devices from receiving satellite alerts.

The FCC must publish a proposed rule within six months and issue a final rule after consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security and FEMA. The House-reported version makes the election due 60 days after the final rule's effective date for covered service providers that offer satellite voice and data service, bars separate or additional charges for satellite alert transmission or capability, sets a final-rule deadline of 18 months, delays effectiveness until at least 36 months after Federal Register publication or 12 months after DHS and FEMA implement needed alert-originator standards, and creates liability protection for compliant providers.

Who Benefits and How

Mobile subscribers with satellite-capable service benefit because emergency alerts may reach them when terrestrial networks are unavailable. Emergency managers benefit if satellite alerting expands the reach of warnings during disasters, remote incidents, or network outages. Covered mobile service providers benefit from a clear election process, FCC technical standards, and liability protection in the House-reported version. Satellite communications providers benefit from a defined role in Wireless Emergency Alert delivery. The FCC benefits from a statutory schedule for rulemaking and implementation. DHS and FEMA benefit from a defined consultation role for alert-originator standards.

Who Bears the Burden and How

Covered mobile service providers must file elections, notify subscribers, implement FCC technical standards, respect opt-outs, and, in the House-reported version, avoid separate satellite-alert charges. FCC rulemaking staff must publish a proposed rule, issue a final rule, define satellite-alert requirements, and coordinate with DHS and FEMA. DHS emergency-alert officials and FEMA alerting administrators must implement any needed standards, protocols, or procedures for alert originators. Device makers and satellite-network partners may need to support alert receipt, display, interoperability, and 9-1-1 protection requirements.

Key Provisions

• Requires mobile providers that already elect Wireless Emergency Alerts to file FCC elections on satellite alerting.
• Requires opt-in providers to follow FCC satellite-alert technical standards, protocols, procedures, and interoperability requirements.
• Requires opt-out providers to notify new and existing subscribers.
• Protects subscriber alert opt-outs when alerts are transmitted by satellite.
• Directs the FCC to issue satellite-alert rulemaking with DHS and FEMA consultation.
• Bars separate satellite-alert charges in the House-reported version.
• Provides liability protection for compliant covered service providers in the House-reported version.