Updated: Jun 25, 2018
On June 13, 2018, the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (“Bureau”) released a Public Notice seeking comment on the effectiveness of the voluntary Wireless Network Resiliency Framework (“Framework”), designed to provide a systematic approach to enhance coordination during disasters to protect wireless networks. In light of the upcoming hurricane season, the Commission seeks comment on potential methods of measuring the effectiveness of the Framework, determining the extent of its use, and promoting awareness, as well as any methods of potential improvements and best practices for network restoration and coordination.
- Measuring the Framework’s Use and Effectiveness – The Bureau specifically seeks comment on measuring the extent and effectiveness of roaming under disaster arrangements, what types of measuring metrics should be used (i.e., percentage of covered customers, percentage of completed calls during an emergency due to roaming agreements), how to measure the impact of mutual aid during emergencies, and any other methods that would prove more effective. It also seeks comment on measuring enhancements to municipal preparedness and restoration, including a PSAP database, and how to measure the extent to which industry best practices are followed.
- Promoting Awareness of the Framework – The Bureau seeks comment on promoting awareness of the elements of and any outcomes from the Framework among federal, state, local, and industry public safety partners, including effective metrics for promotion.
- Incorporating Backhaul Providers in the Framework – The Bureau seeks comment on whether soliciting comments from backhaul providers within the existing Framework would be effective in encouraging participation and cooperation with wireless providers, and if backhaul providers should be encouraged to cooperate with other stakeholders to develop a process for sharing restoration information during disasters. The Bureau seeks comment on what challenges could be addressed by including backhaul providers in the Framework, and on any benefits or consequences those providers would incur from participation.
- Securing Access to Networks in Disaster – Pursuant to statutory directive, the Bureau seeks input to provide and publish a study on the public safety benefits, technical feasibility, and cost of public access to 911 services via various technologies. The Bureau seeks broad comment on several issues, including WiFi hotspot capabilities for emergency access, consumer handset capabilities, software applications, etc.
Comments are due July 16, 2018.
Reply comments are due July 31, 2018.
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