Chairwoman Rosenworcel Proposes Improvements To Wireless Communications During Disasters

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel shared with her colleagues new draft rules to improve the reliability and resiliency of wireless networks during emergencies. If adopted by a vote of the full FCC, the rules would help reduce wireless phone outages for the public and support faster service restoration after hurricanes, wildfires, and other disasters. In September 2021, the FCC adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to improve communications during disasters. The FCC also convened a field hearing on this topic, where stakeholders from public safety, industry, and consumer groups testified. The draft rules result from this effort. Disaster recovery activities in the wireless industry are currently supported by the Wireless Network Resiliency Cooperative Framework, a voluntary industry agreement to promote resilient communications and situational awareness during disasters through roaming agreements, mutual aid, and other measures. At present, the nation’s largest wireless providers are signatories to this agreement. If adopted, the rules would codify the Framework and expand its applicability to all facilities-based wireless providers. Among other changes, the rules would require facilities-based wireless providers to enter into mutual aid arrangements that enable them to request, or receive a request, for assistance during emergencies. The rules would also require that facilities-based wireless providers enter into bilateral roaming agreements in advance of disasters to help the public communicate. In addition, the rules would expand the triggers for activation of these provisions, and provide for critical testing and reporting on wireless roaming implementation during disasters. If adopted, the rules would take a significant step forward to improve network resiliency. At the same time, the FCC would continue examining the record in this proceeding and real-world performance during disasters in order to take any necessary further actions.