FCC Looks to Modernize Disaster Information Reporting System

The Federal Communications Commission has voted to launch a review of its system for collecting data on network outages and restoration during major disasters. This action will pave the way for reforms to the FCC’s Disaster Information Reporting System to make sure that its benefits outweigh its burdens. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking begins a thorough review of DIRS to modernize the system for reporting and proposes changes to reduce the reporting burdens on providers during disasters, while increasing the utility of the reports. This includes simplifying reporting requirements, limiting DIRS reporting obligations to facilities-based providers, and promoting federal and state agencies’ ability to obtain direct access to NORS and DIRS filings by eliminating unnecessary access requirements, among other improvements for efficiency.