FCC orders mandatory participation for wireless carriers in new initiative
Broadcasters have been watching developments in the FCC Resilient Networks rulemaking proceeding, which could eventually lead to more requirements for their participation in disaster recovery procedures.
The commission updated its rules in July, making wireless network resiliency cooperation mandatory for wireless carriers in the United States. They could do something similar for broadcasters.
The FCC introduced the Mandatory Disaster Response Initiative (MDRI), which largely codifies and builds upon an industry-developed Wireless Network Resiliency Framework.
That framework, which does not include broadcasters, was developed by a group of facilities-based mobile wireless service providers and had been endorsed by the FCC. The action extends the reach of the provisions to all mobile wireless providers to test their roaming capabilities and report on the performance of their implementation of the new MDRI.
