An NPRM approved by the FCC Wednesday asks for specific...
An NPRM approved by the FCC Wednesday asks for specific comment on the costs, versus the benefits, of various improvements to the nation’s 911 system in light of last June’s derecho storm. The NPRM was approved 5-0 (CD March 21…
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p4). The FCC asks “a range of questions that will help us to weigh the costs and benefits of each approach to strengthening the reliability and resiliency of critical 911 communications infrastructure,” the NPRM said (http://bit.ly/YtIwc4. “For each cost or benefit addressed, we ask that commenters provide specific data and information such as actual or estimated dollar figures, including a description of how the data or information was calculated or obtained and any supporting documentation.” The FCC warned that “vague or unsupported assertions regarding costs or benefits generally will receive less weight and be less persuasive than the more specific and supported statements.” The NPRM notes that all the central offices that experienced outages had backup power in place, but nonetheless explores whether the commission should impose backup power requirements. “How closely do providers adhere to existing industry best practices and other published guidelines on backup power?” the NPRM asks. “Would new or expanded best practices provide additional guidance necessary to help maintain reliable backup power? If so, would additional best practices provide as much assurance of rigorous compliance as any of the approaches proposed here? What additional best practices are needed in this area? How closely do providers follow generator and battery manufacturers’ recommended maintenance schedules?” If the FCC imposes a requirement, “what, more precisely, should be required?” the NPRM asks. The FCC asks whether it should require carriers to file reports describing their central office backup power provisions, including maintenance and testing. “If so, how often should providers have to file such reports?” the NPRM asks. “Should reports be based on conformance with specific best practices, or other standards adopted by the Commission? How many reports would there be? We also ask what specific information should be included in these reports, e.g., should the report be limited to factual discussion of existing practices, or should providers also report on any planned improvements?"