FCC Acts to Improve Network Resiliency During Disasters

The Federal Communications Commission adopted a Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking taking measures to improve the reliability and resiliency of mobile wireless networks that are a significant lifeline for those in need during disasters and other emergencies. As the FCC noted when it launched this proceeding in 2021, recent events including Hurricane Ida, earthquakes in Puerto Rico, severe winter storms in Texas, and hurricane and wildfire seasons continue to demonstrate how the United States’ communications infrastructure remains susceptible to disruption during disaster events. The need to strengthen the nation’s networks has been further underscored since that time in the face of on-going wildfires in New Mexico and other western states and the forecast that 2022 will bring another historically active hurricane season. Now the FCC is leveraging the industry-developed Wireless Network Resiliency Cooperative Framework (Framework) as a starting point for introducing the Mandatory Disaster Response Initiative (MDRI) and, in doing so, renewing efforts to ensure that the nation’s communications networks are more available in the midst of disasters and other emergencies.