The Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, Huricane Katrina and other man-made and natural disasters often reveal flaws in emergency communications systems. Here we attempt to chart the effects of disasters on our telecommunications and media communications systems -- and efforts by policymakers to stregthen these systems.
Emergency Communications
FirstNet will post a detailed agenda for the Combined Board Committees and Board Meeting on its website, http:// www.firstnet.gov, prior to the meetings.
The agenda topics are subject to change.
House Communications Subcommittee Conducts Oversight of NTIA
The House Communications Subcommittee held a hearing continuing its oversight role of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Chairman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) spoke to the need to maintain America’s status as a global leader in wireless technologies. In his opening remarks, full Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) stressed the importance of accurate broadband mapping in efforts to expand broadband internet access. David Redl, Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information, NTIA, U.S.
Chairman Pai Unveils $954 Million Plan To Restore And Expand Networks In Puerto Rico And US Virgin Islands (updated)
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai proposed to direct approximately $954 million toward restoring and expanding communications networks in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands—networks that were damaged and destroyed during the 2017 hurricane season. Specifically, he proposed to create a $750 million Uniendo a Puerto Rico Fund (Bringing Puerto Rico Together Fund) and a $204 million Connect USVI Fund.
Natural disasters and large-scale man-made events require emergency responders to communicate among themselves inside the disaster zone, implement effective command and control methods, and communicate with the public. Our operational leaders and legal experts will explore the legal framework and practical considerations facing local, state and federal agencies and what is needed to prepare for and respond to emergencies. Panelists will also discuss whether legal guidelines and operational plans offer enough assets, clarity and guidance for responders to work effectively.
FCC Announces Tentative Agenda for March 2018 Open Meeting
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai announced that the following items are tentatively on the agenda for the March Open Commission Meeting scheduled for Thursday March 22, 2018:
Remarks of Commissioner Mignon Clyburn at the Disability Advisory Committee
[Speech] With more than 50 million people identified as having a disability in this country, it is critical that both legacy communications services and those new and emerging technologies are accessible to all. That is why I believe we must discuss these issues, not just when a rulemaking has “accessibility” in its title, but in each and every proceeding before the Commission. By this I mean, if a proceeding will impact the general public, we must include in that discussion, how those living with a disability will be impacted.
FirstNet FY 2017: Annual Report to Congress
In the next fiscal year, we will continue to operationalize the network and interface with public safety. We have already begun work on service offerings like priority and preemption, and new capabilities will come as the FirstNet core network is launched in the first half of calendar year 2018. In addition,
we will see new device, application, and service offerings. We also will see the first phases of our RAN buildout to reflect increased coverage across the
country.
Remarks of FCC Commissioner Clyburn at Consumer Advisory Committee
[Speech] My approach when it comes to public safety issues, has been shaped by three, key guiding principles: people with accessibility and access challenges must benefit; we should do all we can to educate every consumer about these safety benefits; and collaboration among all stakeholders works better than litigation.
A Homeland Security Department advisory group wants to help emergency responders control the social media conversation
State and federal emergency responders should have plans ready to go to counter rumors, misinformation and fake news in the wake of disasters, according to a new white paper from a Homeland Security Department advisory group. Those plans should include actively correcting misinformation on Facebook and Twitter with hashtags such as #rumor and #mythbuster, according to the draft report, which the Homeland Security Science and Technology Advisory Committee approved for final publication Feb 22.
Chairman Pai Announces visit to Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands in March
[Press release] Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai will visit Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands from March 7–10 to meet with local leaders and communications service providers and review the status of communications restoration efforts after the 2017 hurricane season. He will be accompanied by members of the Commission’s Hurricane Recovery Task Force. This serves as a follow-up to his trip to Puerto Rico last November.