FCC Improves And Proposes Updates To Its Communications Network Outage Reporting Requirements

The Federal Communications Commission took action to improve and update its communications network outage reporting requirements so that the agency can maintain awareness of network disruptions and promote reliable communications for consumers and businesses. In a Report and Order adopted May 25, the Commission made targeted refinements to its current reporting requirements to enhance the information it receives on outages related to legacy networks and reduce burdens on industry.

In addition, in an accompanying Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the Commission proposed updating its reporting requirements to keep pace with technological change. The Commission noted that communications providers are transitioning from legacy to IP-based networks, and the nation’s 911 services are already increasingly reliant on broadband technology. However the current outage reporting requirements are largely centered on legacy networks and services. The Commission is therefore seeking comment on a proposal to update its reporting requirements to address broadband disruptions. The Commission also proposed updates to its current reporting requirements for interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) providers to ensure greater usefulness and consistency of information, as well as proposed changes to better reflect wireless outages in rural areas.