FCC Plans Post-Sandy Analysis

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski announced plans to convene a series of field hearings in the coming months to examine challenges to the nation's communications networks in the wake of Superstorm Sandy, and help inform recommendations and action to improve network resiliency.The field hearings will focus on the challenges faced by communications service providers, state and local officials, emergency personnel, and consumers before, during and after the storm, as well as other natural disasters. Beginning in early 2013, hearings will take place throughout the country in locations that have experienced major natural disasters, starting in New York. They will include businesses, public safety officials, engineering and academic experts, consumers and other stakeholders.The hearings will address issues such as power and fuel dependencies, emergency permitting, resource sharing protocols, 911 accessibility, and others. The information gathered is expected to inform recommendations to strengthen wired and wireless networks in the face of large-scale national emergencies.