Comtech Says Its Study Illustrated Enhanced Geo-Targeting Accuracy For Wireless Emergency Alerts

Comtech Telecommunications Corp. CMTL released the "Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA): Geo-Targeting Using Cell Radio Frequency (RF) Propagation Algorithm" research study. The study was sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) and illustrated how its recently acquired subsidiary, TeleCommunication Systems, Inc., developed a new algorithm.

According to the company, the algorithm uses area footprints connected with radio frequency (RF) coverage to considerably enhance geo-targeting granularity and accuracy for the delivery of WEA messages.

Comtech's President and CEO, Stanton Sloane, said, "We've created a viable solution that requires no change in standards and specifications, making it easily deployable today. More importantly, the lessons learned from this project will allow us to improve our testing techniques over time so we can continue to enhance our solution."

The company said the research included the modification of WEA software with the help of new and improved geo-targeting algorithms, which were tested in both laboratory and real-world environments. The report's findings and analysis demonstrated that the new algorithm was superior to any other current method deployed to date.

The company expressed the confidence that the new method would offer several fresh benefits to WEA users, agencies and operators. That included the ability to target smaller alert areas down to a square mile regardless of the physical location of the cell towers.