The FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau has released a public notice seeking comment on an ex parte presentation made by the country’s largest wireless carriers, including AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, US Cellular and Verizon, together with CTIA – The Wireless Association, in which they announce the formation of a “Wireless Resiliency Cooperative Framework.” The proposed framework is described as “a voluntary initiative that will enhance coordination and communication to advance wireless service continuity and information sharing during and after emergencies and disasters.” The wireless carriers recommend a five-prong approach to enhance industry coordination to “facilitate greater network resiliency and faster restoration of service.” Specifically, the five-prongs proposed are: (1) providing for reasonable roaming under disaster arrangements when technically feasible; (2) fostering mutual aid during emergencies; (3) enhancing municipal preparedness and restoration; (4) increasing consumer readiness and preparation; and (5) improving public awareness and stakeholder communications on service and restoration status. Comments are due 15 days after the publication of the public notice in the Federal Register.
