Martin Says FCC Remains Focused on Emergency Communications
FCC Chmn. Martin reassured Gulf Coast residents Mon. the FCC remains committed to improving public safety communications in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, which devastated the region in a storm that hit last Aug. Martin opened a meeting of the Independent Panel Reviewing the Impact of Hurricane Katrina on Communications Networks in Jackson, Miss. Martin, along with Comr. Tate, was also scheduled to tour the Jackson Police Dept.’s PSAP. The hearing continues today (Tues.)
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Martin emphasized the FCC’s commitment to an improved early alert system for when disaster strikes and to requiring that all phone providers, including VoIP operators, comply with E-911 rules, as well as communications interoperability. “We should enable first responders to communicate seamlessly during disaster,” Martin said. “New technologies such as smart radios and mobile Internets can be used to reestablish communications as quickly as possible after a disaster. First responders must also have the equipment that communicates on [shared] frequencies and in multiple formats so police, firefighters and EMS personnel at the local, state and federal levels, can all talk to each other.”
Rep. Pickering (R-Miss.) urged the FCC to act quickly to put in place improved interoperable communications. “After Katrina, I hope, after all the investigations and independent panels, that we will before the next hurricane season, which is only 90 days away… have something in place that is survivable, that is mobile, that is interoperable and that the federal resources are there to support.”
Harlin McEwen, representing the International Assn. of Chiefs of Police and other law enforcement groups, repeated an observation from the panel’s first meeting (CD Jan 31 p1) that Katrina wasn’t a disaster but a catastrophe. “Usually what happens is you have other resources surrounding the area where the incident occurred that can come to the aid of those that need it.” Katrina was far worse, McEwen said. “When you have an issue like Katrina, where it affects 3 states where much of the public safety infrastructure was wiped out… that’s a different issue than the normal disaster.”
“Katrina caused an estimated $30 billion to $50 billion in damages in Miss. alone,” said Hu Meena, pres. of Cellular South. “We also learned some valuable lessons. They were restoration of communications should have the highest priority and the allocation of resources following a natural disaster… Wireless service, while vulnerable to catastrophe, can and should be delivered in a manner that minimizes disruption and allows for quick restoration.” Meena also said emergency management personnel should examine the robustness of the wireless network before disaster strikes.