5G providers balk at outage rules – except for FirstNet

The nation’s big wireless providers argued against rules that would increase the amount of information they need to report to the FCC about network failures. The companies and their trade associations also suggested such information should not be released publicly.

However, several players argued that FirstNet – which provides wireless services to first responders via AT&T’s network – should be required to report network outages.

The issue came into sharp focus in February when AT&T generated nationwide headlines after its wireless network collapsed for hours. AT&T said the outage was “caused by the application and execution of an incorrect process used as we were expanding our network, not a cyber attack.” Even so, the operator said it would offer affected customers a $5 credit.

Internet operators, from Comcast to T-Mobile, routinely experience outages. Most are minor, but some become widespread. That’s partly why the FCC in 2022 approved rules designed to formalize the outage reporting requirements for wireless network operators.

“These changes will help restore service faster, help speed response coordination, and keep more people connected in disaster,” FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in a statement at the time.

Now, though, the FCC is evaluating additional outage reporting requirements that could require network operators to provide information about any temporary mobile equipment they may have deployed to restore service after an emergency, as well as “after-action” assessments on what went wrong. The FCC is also seeking comment on whether FirstNet should be subject to network resilience reporting requirements.

Most network operators objected to any additional reporting requirements. 

“The record shows that strict reporting mandates will impede recovery efforts and create confusion,” wrote USTelecom, a trade association that represents a variety of network operators. A wide range of other trade associations and companies – from T-Mobile to CTIA – echoed that position.

The FirstNet debate

But many players – including those that compete against FirstNet – argued that FirstNet should be required to report any outages of its service. 

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