FCC Asks For Comments On Better 911 Disaster Backup

Yesterday, the FCC released a NPRM (PS Docket No. 13-75) aimed at implementing four key recommendations for strengthening 911 services to make sure they work even during natural disasters. Specifically, the agency is seeking the best ways to help ensure service providers periodically audit 911 circuits for physical diversity; maintain adequate central office backup power like generators and battery backup systems; and maintain reliable and resilient network-monitoring systems to provide accurate situational awareness during communications outages. Four ways of making sure these things happen include reporting, certification, reliability requirements, and compliance reviews and inspections conducted by the FCC. Whatever approach ultimately is adopted must account for differences in service-provider networks, and they must support the ongoing transition from legacy 911 systems to next-gen 911 systems, the commission added.