FCC Planning Reviews of Communications Networks' Peformance in 2017 Hurricanes, Pai Tells Pallone
The FCC is planning a series of “after-action steps” to review “what worked during” Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria “in terms of communications continuity and restoration as well as areas for improvement,” FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said in a letter…
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to House Commerce Committee ranking member Frank Pallone, D-N.J., released Thursday. Pallone pressed Pai in October to do an FCC review of the resiliency of U.S. networks after the hurricanes, including whether the voluntary 2016 Wireless Network Resiliency Cooperative Framework “lives up to its potential” (see 1710060043). The FCC's “immediate focus is on assisting with the restoration of communications services and networks in areas” affected by the hurricanes, but the Public Safety Bureau already said it plans to issue a public notice to seek input on communications networks' performance during the storms, Pai said. The bureau also plans to “host a workshop to better understand the issues identified through this public process and develop options to address shortfalls and opportunities. As the ongoing response and recovery efforts continue, the Commission will consider what additional steps, including field hearings, might be taken to ensure communications networks are fully prepared for future disasters.” Pai is planning to visit Puerto Rico Sunday and Monday to assess hurricane-recovery efforts and consult with local officials on the commission's next steps to provide assistance. “The FCC is committed to supporting recovery efforts and doing everything we can to help restore communications networks as quickly as possible,” said Chairman Pai in a Friday release.