The Federal Communications Commission has adopted rules intended to ensure that consumers have the information and tools necessary to maintain landline home telephone service during emergencies. The rules require providers of “modern home voice services” to offer customers the option to buy backup power so they can use their landline service during electric outages. Specifically, providers will be required to: (1) ensure that a technical solution for eight hours of standby backup power is available for consumers to purchase at the point of sale; (2) within three years, offer an option for 24 hours of standby backup power; and (3) inform both new and current customers about service limitations during electric outages and steps they can take to address those risks, including how to keep their service operational during a multi-day power outage.
