[TWIAR] FCC seeks comments to improve disaster comms

[Greg Williams]

http://www.fcw.com/article95186-07-07-06-Web

The Federal Communications Commission is seeking comments on proposed
rules that aim to improve the country’s ability to restore its
telecommunications infrastructure after a natural disaster or terrorist
attack.

The FCC is asking for comments on how to implement proposed rules that
its Independent Panel Reviewing the Impact of Hurricane Katrina on
Communications Networks released June 19, according to a notice in the
Federal Register. The agency also wants suggestions for improving the
proposed rules.

The FCC wants lists of major communications providers and
infrastructures to enable faster restoration of communications, the
notice states.

The notice also requests comments on whether the FCC needs to collect
the information to accomplish the panel’s goals and is looking for ways
to improve the quality and minimize the quantity of any information
collected using information technology.

The FCC wants suggestions for protecting sensitive information about
infrastructure and commercial activities to avoid harming communications
providers and others, the notice states.

The panel’s report makes recommendations in four areas:

* Pre-positioning communications companies’ and the government’s
equipment before disasters to ensure reliability and resiliency.
* Improving recovery coordination to optimize existing resources and
minimize weaknesses.
* Improving the operability and interoperability of public safety, 911
and Enhanced 911 communications.
* Improving how emergency information is communicated to the public.

A copy of the 66-page document is available at www.fcc.gov.

The FCC will accept comments through Aug. 7 and promises responses by
Aug. 21, the notice states. It will accept written comments on the
proposed information-collection requirements until Sept. 5.

Interested parties can file their comments under EB Docket No. 06-119 at
www.regulations.gov or www.fcc.gov/cgb/ecfs. Comments on information
collection can be sent to pra at fcc.gov .