What America Can Do to Strengthen Its Communications Infrastructure

Network reliability and network resiliency are distinct concepts that are inextricably linked. “Network reliability” means that you can rely on the fact that you will have phone service to make and receive phone calls and text messages. As an example, a network can become unreliable from a lack of network maintenance that leads to total degradation, or a lack of preparation to handle technological failure. In California, residents experienced cell phone outages due to both a lack of maintenance and preparation.   “Network resiliency” means that after a network outage, the network revives quickly to allow consumers, including emergency responders, to make phone calls and send text messages. Network resiliency is especially important today as natural disasters are on the rise and extended outages can leave people in total isolation. Network resiliency is crucial so that people can call their loved ones, 911, and other emergency responders without those calls failing. Similarly, it allows for emergency responders to contact one another and blast public safety announcements to their communities.

America is currently facing a serious crisis in network reliability and resiliency. Here are some ideas of what can be done at the state and federal level.