with no way to opt out"
FUBO! Can you hear me now!
We get all our conservative friends, neighbors, etc to call the white hut every time a message from obammy hits our phones. After burning up their switchboard a few times maybe they’ll quit.
The Fuhrer demands your attention, ya think?
Nothing new here. This is how fascism works, people.
“This is your President with a National Emergency. Call John Boehner at 202-555-1202 and tell him to get my bill out of committee right freaking now!”
I read the article, hoping it would be a joke.. maybe it still is. My contract with Verspieson (verizon) ends in two weeks. If I am being watched and recorded, might as well just use my iphone for Skype. At least I am not paying an arm and a leg for the service. I considered consumer cellular, but it looks like every no contract is hooked to a major carrier. If anyone has any better alternatives.. I would appreciate it.
Can I opt out of receiving Wireless Emergency Alerts?
If you have a WEA capable device, you are automatically enrolled to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts. Based on FEMA guidelines, you may opt out of the following types of alerts:
Alerts involving imminent threats to life or property issued by the National Weather Service or other authorized emergency management agency Amber Alerts (missing child alerts)
You cannot opt out of Presidential Alerts.
To opt out of receiving Wireless Emergency Alerts, update the specific settings for your device. Please check your device manual for instructions.
Dear (Textide),
My name is ----, with AT&T’s email Customer Service Team. I can definitely understand your concern about receiving unsolicited Presidential Alerts on your phone. I would be happy to review this issue for you.
After reading your email and consulting my Manager, I have found that Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs), or Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS), is a national public safety alert system that allows customers who own a WEA-enabled mobile device to receive geographically-targeted broadcast text messages, regardless of their wireless carrier. These alerts are meant to bring attention to national security threats, hazardous conditions, or child abduction alerts. For example, a tornado warning can be sent to a specific area indicating dangerous weather conditions and requesting to take shelter immediately.
There are three types of alerts through CMAS:
1. Alerts issued by the President
2. Alerts involving imminent threats to life or property issued by the national weather service or other authorized emergency management agency
3. Amber alerts (missing child alert)
You may choose not to receive imminent threat and amber alerts, but know that these alert messages are provided by approved emergency agencies and delivered via the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Unfortunately, you cannot opt out of alerts from the President of the United States.
WEA does not use your mobile number to transmit messages and does not use the GPS location of your device; instead, WEA CMAS broadcasts messages similar to radio broadcast transmissions. There is no charge for receiving CMAS messages and you will only receive them if you have a WEA CMAS-capable device.
For more information about these alerts and/or to voice your feedback, please use the following link for the FCC page concerning this issue: http://www.fcc.gov/guides/wireless-emergency-alerts-wea .
(Textide), we do not believe that these alerts will be used for any purpose other than what is stated on the FCC website. We truly appreciate having you as an AT&T customer and want your wireless experience to be a success.
Sincerely,
--------
AT&T National Solution Centers
Your reply confirms my stand. You will not allow people to opt out of messages from the president??? What is this, North Korea?
Treat your customers in the US as the free Americans that we are. If I don't want to hear from the president you should respect that. I will not be ruled or dictated to.
Mr. (Textide),
I apologize for your concern regarding the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), especially as it relates to Presidential messages.
The FCC has mandated that no cell phone company may block or provide any means to block Presidential messages. However you do have the ability to opt-out of receiving WEA messages and AMBER alerts. Please understand that the technology used for these messages differs from a phone call or text message; they are broadcast messages sent to all phones within range of the cell tower.
The Warning, Alert, and Response Network Act (WARN Act) was passed by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President George W. Bush in October 2006. The WARN Act requires all cell phone companies to send WEA and Presidential messages.
Sincerely,
--------------
AT&T National Solution Centers
Huh.. I have a slightly older phone, one of the original Galaxy S phones, been on ATT since. My phone is rooted and has a custom rom, and I’ve never received any alerts of any kind.
I do not own any of these ‘hand-held’ whatevers...doesn’t sound like I am missing much..,.
Enter the Telescreen. Will it also include tinny-sounding “patriotic” music? News from the African front against Eurasia?
If this was something like the “Emergency Alert Service” on televisions, it probably wouldn’t be a big deal. With Obama involved, though, you know it’s going to be abused for political purposes, because that’s what he does with everything.