Mystic Alerts Act

The law could extend emergency alerts to compatible devices beyond traditional mobile coverage while preserving consumer choice, preventing added fees, and protecting 911 and other communications.

What the law does ​

• Requires the Federal Communications Commission to propose rules within six months and finalize them within 18 months, in consultation with federal emergency agencies.
• Requires covered providers to tell the commission whether they will participate within 60 days after the rules take effect.
• Requires participating providers to meet federal standards, honor alert opt-outs, and charge no separate or additional fee.
• Requires nonparticipating providers to notify new and existing subscribers of their decision.
• Directs the rules to account for satellite and device capabilities and minimize disruption to 911 calls and other voice and data communications.
• Limits liability for compliant providers over alert transmission decisions and subscriber information shared for alert delivery.

Who it affects ​

• Mobile providers offering satellite communications.
• Subscribers with devices compatible with satellite emergency alerts.
• Emergency-alert and public-safety agencies coordinating alert standards.

Breakdown ​

Mystic Alerts Act ​

The Mystic Alerts Act creates a framework for mobile providers that offer satellite communications to choose whether to send emergency alerts by satellite to compatible devices. It directs the Federal Communications Commission to set technical and operational requirements, while protecting consumer choice, prohibiting added fees, and limiting provider liability.

Key takeaways

• Covered mobile providers must tell the Federal Communications Commission whether they will transmit emergency alerts by satellite within 60 days after the rules take effect.
• Providers that participate must follow federal technical requirements, honor subscribers’ emergency-alert opt-outs, and offer satellite alerts without a separate or additional charge.
• Providers that do not participate must notify new and existing subscribers of that decision.
• The Federal Communications Commission must propose rules within six months and issue final rules within 18 months, in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
• The rules must account for satellite and device capabilities and minimize disruption to other voice and data communications, including 911 calls.
• Providers that comply with the Act receive liability protection for transmitting or failing to transmit satellite alerts, sharing subscriber information for alert delivery, or choosing not to offer satellite alerts.