FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel shared with her colleagues on Thursday draft rules to improve the reliability and resiliency of wireless networks during emergencies. Specifically, the changes would mandate carrier participation in the wireless resiliency framework and mandate roaming during disasters. If adopted by a vote of the full Commission, the agency says the rules would help reduce wireless phone outages and support faster service restoration after hurricanes, wildfires, and other disasters.
“While wireless providers have worked hard to prevent outages and restore service during recent disasters, there were times when communications fell short and recovery took too long—which put lives at risk,” said Rosenworcel. “Last fall, after Hurricane Ida wreaked its devastation, Commissioner Carr and I traveled to Louisiana and heard firsthand where communications resiliency needs improvement. The Commission then sought comment on proposals to strengthen communications. Now it’s time to act on what we’ve learned. I particularly want to thank Commissioner Carr for his ongoing collaboration as we take this first step to help first responders and the public stay connected during crises.”
Last September, the Commission adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to improve communications during disasters. The Commission also convened a field hearing on this topic, where stakeholders from public safety, industry, and consumer groups testified. The draft rules circulated Thursday result from this effort.
Disaster recovery activities in the wireless industry are currently supported by the Wireless Network Resiliency Cooperative Framework, a voluntary industry agreement to promote resilient communications and situational awareness during disasters through roaming agreements, mutual aid, and other measures. At present, the nation’s largest wireless providers are signatories to this agreement. If adopted, the rules would codify the framework and expand its applicability to all facilities-based wireless providers.
Among other changes, the rules would require wireless carriers to enter into mutual aid arrangements that enable them to request, or receive a request, for assistance during emergencies. Now, those actions are voluntary.
The rules would also require wireless providers to enter into roaming agreements before disasters to help the public communicate. In addition, the rules would expand the triggers for activation of these provisions, and provide for critical testing and reporting on wireless roaming implementation during disasters. Inside Towers reported Rosenworcel said earlier this year that local officials in Louisiana suggested the increased roaming provisions are needed.
At an event hosted by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials last month, Carr called for the agency to replace the voluntary 2016 wireless resiliency framework with new rules. Since that event, Carr said he’s been pleased to see “broad support” from public safety and first responder groups.
For example, National Sheriffs’ Association Executive Director/CEO Jonathan Thompson said: “Wireless resiliency in the face of disasters, both natural and manmade, ensures that first responders are able to respond effectively to calls for help. The National Sheriffs’ Association supports the requirement for wireless providers to participate in the Wireless Resiliency Framework, as it will have a clear, positive impact on public safety.”
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
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