FCC Record, Volume 26, No. 7, Pages 4843 to 5761, March 28 - April 08, 2011 Page: 5,615
viii, 4843-5761 p. ; 28 cm.View a full description of this book.
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I. INTRODUCTION
1. By this Notice of Inquiry ("Notice"), we seek comment on a broad range of issues
regarding the reliability and resiliency of our Nation's communications networks. Specifically, we
consolidate several lines of inquiry broadly derived from initiatives set forth in the National Broadband
Plan ("NBP")' regarding the reliability and continuity of our Nation's communications infrastructure,
including broadband networks. Among other matters, the NBP identified the inadequacy of backup
power and insufficient communications backhaul redundancy as key factors that contribute to the
congestion or failure of commercial wireless data networks, particularly during emergencies such as
large-scale natural and man-made disasters.2 The NBP also recommended that the Commission engage in
an exploration of the reliability and resiliency standards being applied to broadband networks in order to
ascertain what action, if any, the Commission should take to bolster the reliability of broadband
infrastructures.
2. In this Notice, we initiate a comprehensive examination of issues regarding the reliability,
resiliency and continuity of communications networks, including broadband technologies. First, we
explore the ability of communications networks to provide continuity of service during major
emergencies, such as large-scale natural and man-made disasters. Next, we consider issues related to
broadband network reliability and resiliency in the context of whether standards might be needed to
ensure adequate levels of service to meet public safety and other critical infrastructure needs. Third, we
discuss what actions, if any, the Commission should take to foster improved performance with respect to
the reliability and continuity of operations. Fourth, we seek comment on the sources of legal authority
that could provide the basis for Commission action. Finally, we seek comment on whether, for the
reasons discussed below, we should consolidate two of the above-captioned proceedings -- PS Docket 10-
92 (Effects on Broadband Communications Networks of Damage or Failure of Network Equipment or
Severe Overload), and EB Docket 06-119 (Independent Panel Reviewing the Impact of Hurricane Katrina
on Communications Networks - into this proceeding. Were we to consolidate these proceedings into this
Notice, we seek comment on whether we should then terminate those two proceedings. If we decide to
terminate those proceedings, we would consider the record in those proceedings, to the extent relevant, in
this proceeding.
3. We address the matters raised herein against the backdrop of today's increasingly
interconnected world, one in which communications services, including broadband technologies, play a
critical role in all segments of our Nation's society and economy. As the communications infrastructure
migrates from older technologies to broadband technology, critical communications services will be
carried over a communications network infrastructure that may or may not be built to the high carrier
grade4 standards of legacy wireline systems. This potential for differences in service reliability could be a
major source of concern for critical sectors, such as energy and public safety, and for consumers in
general.
' Onmibus Broadband Initiative, Federal Communications Commission, Connecting America: The National
Broadband Plan ("NBP") (Mar. 2010).
2 NBP. Chapter 12 ("Energy and the Environment"), Section 12.1 ("Broadband and the Smart Grid").
3 NBP, Chapter 16 ("Public Safety"), Section 16.2 ("Promoting Cybersecurity and Protecting Critical
Infrastructure").
SAlthough not a precise term of art in the telecommunications field, "carrier grade" generally refers to systems,
hardware, or software that are extremely reliable, well tested, and proven in their capabilities.5615
Federal Communications Commission
FCC 11-55
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United States. Federal Communications Commission. FCC Record, Volume 26, No. 7, Pages 4843 to 5761, March 28 - April 08, 2011, book, April 2011; Washington D.C.. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc52169/m1/787/: accessed April 24, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.