FCC, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Advise Governors on Importance of Communications

In joint letters Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Director Christopher Krebs encouraged the nation's governors to provide necessary access and resources to the communications workers helping to keep Americans connected during the COVID-19 pandemic. The FCC and CISA recommend the governors:

• Review guidance from the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
• Declare the following infrastructure and entities as essential to COVID-19 response efforts and afford them all appropriate resources and access:
  • Businesses and personnel that provide communications support to medical and healthcare facilities, assisted care and living facilities, and people with disabilities;
  • Radio and television broadcasters, cable operators, and Internet Protocol television (IPTV) providers;
  • Telecommunications relay services providers and closed captioning providers;
  • Public safety communications infrastructure (e.g., land mobile radio, broadband, Wi-Fi, high frequency radio, microwave, wireline, satellite voice, video, Radio over Internet Protocol, paging, data communications systems), including infrastructure that is owned,operated or maintained by commercial service providers in support of public safety and infrastructure in support of Emergency Communications Centers;
  • Internet access service providers, telephone carriers, interconnected VoIP providers, mobile wireless providers, undersea cable operators, content delivery network operators, service integrators, and equipment vendors;
  • Satellite operators; and
  • Companies and individuals involved in the construction of new communications facilities and deployment of new and existing technology to address unprecedented levels of customer usage and close the digital divide for Americans who are sheltering at home.
• Keep in mind that many communications facilities and communities rely on consumer equipment on the premises, such as modems, routers, and broadband extenders, to transmit or receive health status information, security and fire alarms, automated 911 calling capabilities, and emergency alerts, warnings, and notifications. Consider prioritizing the distribution of personal protective equipment to communications personnel when availability permits.
• Understand that communications retail customer service personnel at service center locations are critical for onboarding customers, distributing and repairing equipment, and addressing customer issues to support individuals’ remote emergency communications needs.
• Take the necessary measures to ensure that the communications industry has the appropriate access and resources needed to keep Americans safe and connected during this pandemic.
• Facilitate the maintenance, repair, and provisioning of communications infrastructure and services by providing online access to relevant government functions, such as the permitting process, where not already available electronically.