Rohde & Schwarz verifies GEO-fencing alert test solution

With the FCC's Enhanced Targeting Rules now taking effect, the ability to geo-target residents who receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) will become mandatory. Rohde & Schwarz, in collaboration with LG Electronics Mobile Comm. U.S.A., Inc., have successfully verified Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) 3.0 features related to GEO-Fencing using an LG G8 ThinQ mobile smartphone.

According to the Enhanced Targeting Rules imposed by the FCC, wireless providers must be able to reach 100% of the targeted geographic area specified by government issuers, with no more than a 0.1-mile overshoot. Wireless Emergency Alerts are a critical part of the nation's emergency readiness system for warning the public about dangerous weather, missing children and other types of emergencies. Geographic targeting is a necessary mobile device feature as alerting citizens not affected by a specific emergency could cause unnecessary panic and safety risks. 

The Rohde & Schwarz solution consists of comprises the R&S CMW500 radio communication tester and the R&S SMBV100B vector signal generator. The solution verifies mobile device signaling according to WEA 3.0 GEO-Fencing specifications. This same solution can also cover 3GPP conformance and network operator test plans for LTE, WLAN, WCDMA and GSM location-based services.

Bryan Helmick, product manager for mobile radio testers at Rohde & Schwarz USA Inc., said in a statement, "Test systems that can verify device compliance are critical to the successful roll-out of the FCC's enhanced targeting requirements. This effort between Rohde & Schwarz and LG Electronics helps to further the commercial rollout of WEA 3.0 and GEO-Fencing."