Emergency Alerts

WIRELESS EMERGENCY ALERTS (WEA) INFO

• What is a Wireless Emergency Alert and when do I get them? +

  In 2006, Congress passed the Warning, Alert and Response Network Act, which allows wireless carriers to broadcast emergency alerts to their customers on a voluntary basis. That way, no matter which wireless carrier you’re on, everyone receives the same critical information regarding disasters or other emergencies.
• What does this alert look like and how does it work? +

  Read more about how Wireless Emergency Alerts work.

  • https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/wireless-emergency-alerts-wea
• Are there charges for WEA? +

  There is no charge for WEA and they do not impact voice, messaging or data usage.
• Will I receive alerts while traveling? +

  WEA are enabled throughout UScellular’s coverage area and are broadcast to the affected areas. You may receive a WEA when roaming on another carrier's network that supports WEA within the 50 states. We cannot guarantee service on another carrier's network.
• Do I need to select areas where I want to receive alerts? +

  Unlike programs that are based on customer-selected zip codes, area codes or other designated filters, WEA are broadcast to all compatible devices within the affected area.
• Do I need GPS to receive an alert? +

  No. Neither subscriber information nor GPS is used to broadcast the alerts. Alerts are sent to WEA-capable wireless devices in the affected geographical area.
• Can I unsubscribe to these alerts? +

  You may change settings within your device to opt out of Imminent Threats, AMBER/ BLUE Alerts, and Public Safety Alerts, but you may not opt out of National Alerts. Refer to your device manufacturer's website for the full user guide containing operating instructions and information.
• How can authorized alert originators contact UScellular to start the process for WEA performance and public awareness tests? +

  UScellular participates in Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) performance and public awareness tests conducted by authorized alert originators within our licensed markets. FCC rules permit these entities to conduct up to two such tests annually. To initiate and arrange coordination with UScellular, please follow these steps:
  
  1. Email Request: Send an email to WEArequests@uscellular.com. Include the following information in your email:
  

  • Your name;
  • The entity you represent;
  • The county, geographical area, or jurisdiction in-scope for the test;
  • The planned date and time of the test; and
  • The exact message that will be sent for the test.
  • Use the following convention for the email’s subject: WEA Test Request - [originator entity name]

  
  2. Confirmation: UScellular will respond to confirm receipt of your request.
  
  By following these steps, authorized alert originators can ensure proper coordination with UScellular for WEA testing.
• What must an authorized alert originator do before UScellular participates in a WEA performance and public awareness test? +

  UScellular will participate in a Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) performance and public awareness test conducted by authorized alert originators within our licensed markets, provided that the entity conducting the test:
  
  1. Notifies the public in advance that live event codes will be used and no actual emergency is occurring;
  2. Includes a statement in the test message, if technically feasible, indicating that the event is only a test;
  3. Coordinates the test with participating carriers, state and local emergency authorities, the relevant State Emergency Communications Committees, and first responder organizations (e.g., PSAPs, police, and fire agencies); and
  4. Provides the public notification in widely accessible formats, clearly stating that the test is only a test and not a real emergency warning.
  
  UScellular also encourages authorized alert originators to notify domestic violence resources within the test area so these entities can inform their constituencies in advance.
• Can WEA help Emergency Preparedness? +

  Disaster can strike at any time, which is why UScellular wants to provide its customers with helpful emergency preparedness tips. Learn how to help keep you and your loved ones safe, connected and informed in the event of an emergency with the tips below.
  
  View tips for emergency preparedness (English)
  View tips for emergency preparedness (Spanish)