FCC could review commercial providers’ emergency preparedness

FCC commissioners may consider a notice of inquiry (NOI) examining commercial carriers’ ability to maintain service during emergencies and disasters, according to a source within the agency.

“An NOI may be considered that will examine the ability of communications providers to maintain service during emergencies and disasters with a focus on back-up power issues and other elements related to communication network reliability and resiliency,” said the FCC source, who requested anonymity. “The NOI also examines the communications industry’s work to ensure the reliability of broadband communications networks.”

Public-safety officials long have advocated greater backup-power requirements for commercial carriers and redundancy, particularly as FCC officials last year proposed that the proposed nationwide 700 MHz wireless broadband network for first responders be built in conjunction with commercial LTE deployments and share some network elements.