The EAS is a national public warning system that provides the communications means for the president to address the American public during a national emergency.
This system is required of:
- Broadcasters
- Cable television systems
- Wireless cable systems
- Satellite digital audio radio service (SDARS) providers
- Direct broadcast satellite (DBS) service providers
The system also may be used by state and local authorities to provide key emergency information, like Amber Alerts and weather data, aimed at a specific area.
FAQs
What role does Xfinity play in sending alert messages?
Xfinity doesn't issue, control or alter the alert messages in any way. We just pass through messages that federal, state, or local authorities choose to send to the public.
How does an EAS test affect my viewing experience once complete?
For live TV, it’ll pick up the programs progress once the EAS test concludes.
All non-live content (Xfinity On Demand, DVR, or X1 streaming apps) in use at the time of an EAS test will tune to a live channel at the end of the test. The program's information page will display with a resume point, so you may resume the program or relaunch the app at any time.
What can I expect?
Xfinity TV and Comcast Business TV customers will see the following message during the test:
- “THIS IS A TEST of the National Emergency Alert System. This system was developed by broadcast and cable operators in voluntary cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Communications Commission, and local authorities to keep you informed in the event of an emergency. If this had been an actual emergency an official message would have followed the tone alert you heard at the start of this message."
What if I want to disable the EAS alerts?
Xfinity has a regulatory obligation as a cable operator to pass-through EAS alerts. The EAS is meant to inform the public about local, state, or national emergencies that may be of importance to the customer. You cannot opt out of these alerts.
Additional information
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