AWARN Opposes Disabling ATSC 3.0 Security for EAS Test

The alliance argues that content protection should remain in place for the nationwide Emergency Alert System test scheduled for Nov. 17.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Safety

Isometric editorial illustration of a lattice broadcast tower beside a plain receiver box connected by a single cable on flat ground. — The FCC received competing filings on Nov. 1 over whether to disable ATSC 3.0 content protection for the nationwide Emergency Alert System test set for Nov. 17. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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AWARN Alliance told the FCC in a Nov. 1 ex parte filing that disabling ATSC 3.0 content security for the nationwide Emergency Alert System test is inappropriate. The request followed a Silicondust letter sent to the FCC on Oct. 26 asking that content protection be turned off for the test.

Why it matters

Silicondust says its HDHomeRun and HDHomeRun Flex set-top boxes cannot decode protected ATSC 3.0 content, which could keep some owners from receiving the test transmission. AWARN argues that the test should reflect normal operating conditions across the country.

AWARN's filing references approximately 18 million verified ATSC 3.0 receivers able to decode the test signal. The FCC has not yet ruled on whether content protection will be disabled for the Nov. 17 test.

The players

AWARN Alliance

The AWARN Alliance is an industry group that promotes the advanced broadcast television standard ATSC 3.0 and its emergency alerting capabilities.

Silicondust

Silicondust is a maker of HDHomeRun network TV tuners that has asked the FCC to disable content security for the EAS test.

Federal Communications Commission

The Federal Communications Commission is the U.S. federal agency that regulates interstate communications and oversees the Emergency Alert System.

The details

AWARN Executive Director Dave Arland submitted the Nov. 1 filing, arguing that protected ATSC 3.0 content is no different from protected broadcasts distributed through cable, satellite and telco services. The alliance asks that the EAS test proceed with signaling broadcast in both ATSC 1.0 and ATSC 3.0 transmissions.

Oct. 26: Silicondust sends its letter to the FCC asking that content security be disabled for the test.
Nov. 1: AWARN Alliance files its ex parte submission opposing the request.
Nov. 17: The nationwide Emergency Alert System test is scheduled.

Seasonal Patterns

The dispute sits within the FCC's EAS framework, which requires broadcasters to deliver national alert tests as a matter of public safety. AWARN argues the rules do not oblige broadcasters to modify lawful transmission configurations for receivers unable to decode protected services.

Owners of Silicondust HDHomeRun or HDHomeRun Flex boxes should check whether they can receive protected ATSC 3.0 content before the Nov. 17 test. Viewers without a compatible receiver may not get the alert on that device.

The takeaway

The outcome of this filing will determine whether emergency alert testing reflects the conditions viewers actually face on ATSC 3.0 broadcasts. Households relying on older tuners should verify their equipment before the test date.

What happens next

The nationwide Emergency Alert System test is scheduled for Nov. 17, when the FCC's decision on content security for the test is expected to take effect.