Ensuring Affordable Access to Telecommunication Networks After Disasters (H.R. 588)
Do you support or oppose this bill?
What is H.R. 588?
(Updated February 3, 2020)
This bill seeks to improve the resiliency of telecommunications systems in the aftermath of emergencies and natural disasters. It would apply to emergencies where federal assistance is provided by a presidential declaration or if the governor of a U.S. state or territory.
This legislation would require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to begin proceedings about mobile service providers’ roaming agreements in order to:
Allow for mobile service at reasonable rates during emergencies when there is a service outage lasting over 24 hours;
Provide for roaming agreements at no charge for communications during emergencies that are to or from 911 services.
The FCC would be required to create a master point of contact directory to improve communications between public safety answering points and telecommunications service providers.
The definition of “essential service provider” would be broadened to include all communications service providers, so that they can access a disaster site to repair and restore services following an emergency without being blocked by a federal agency. That would include providers or services related to wireline and mobile telephone, internet, radio and TV broadcasting, cable, and direct broadcast satellite services.
Argument in favor
Americans need to be able to rely on their communications systems after a disaster strikes. This bill would ensure that people can use their cell phones and other devices at reasonable rates while also making it easier for communication infrastructure to be repaired.
Argument opposed
There’s no guarantee that this bill’s provisions would ensure that communications systems are up and running after any given disaster, regardless of the severity. Coordination between the feds and the private sector on this is a good start, but they may not be successful.
Impact
People who need to use their cell phones during an emergency that otherwise might not have service; FEMA; and the FCC.
Cost of H.R. 588
A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.
Additional Info
In-Depth: Sponsoring Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) introduced also introduced this bill during the 114th Congress. He did so help to ensure that America’s communications networks are resilient enough to withstand disasters and still provide service to residents of affected areas, unlike the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy:
“During the storm and for weeks afterwards, many of us were left stranded, with no way to reach friends, to call loved ones, or even to call for help. That is simply unacceptable. So today I am introducing the SANDy Act to ensure we can all communicate, even when the worst occurs. We must do everything we can to be better prepared for the next time disaster strikes.”
During the last Congress, this legislation was passed by the House Energy and Commerce Committee on a voice vote, and has the support of four Democratic cosponsors.
Of Note: During the last Congress, an original version of this bill contained a provision requiring wireless providers to improve their network resiliency and share information about that resiliency before, during, and after disasters. However, that was removed following an announcement by several major wireless providers including AT&T and Verizon that they would voluntarily provide that data.
Media:
Summary by Eric Revell
(Photo Credit: Andrea Booher/FEMA via the FEMA Photo Library. Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons)
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