FCC Activates Disaster Information Reporting for Tropical Storm (now Hurricane) Dorian

The FCC announced the activation of the Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS) in  response to tropical storm Dorian.  DIRS is a voluntary, web-based system that communications providers, including wireless, wireline, broadcast, cable and Voice over Internet Protocol providers, can use to report communications infrastructure status and situational awareness information during times of crisis.

The FCC is requesting that communications providers that provide service to any areas listed in the Public Notice expeditiously submit and update information through DIRS regarding, interalia, the status of their communications equipment, restoration efforts, and power (i.e., whether

they are using commercial power or back-up power).  Communications providers can accomplish this by accessing DIRS at https://www.fcc.gov/nors/disaster/.

The FCC also issued a Public Notice extending disaster reporting for tropical storm Dorian to the U.S. Virgin Islands.  The data collection area in connection with Tropical Storm Dorian now includes all counties in the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

Finally, the FCC announced that it will be available to address emergency communications needs twenty-four hours a day throughout the weekend.  The contact information for the FCC Operations Center is 202-418-1122 and the e-mail is FCCOPS@fcc.gov.

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 The Regulatory Mix Today: FCC Activates Disaster Information Reporting for Tropical Storm Dorian, Colorado Net Neutrality Law, Iowa Seeks Comment on Regulatory Framework for Alternative Operator Services

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Colorado Net Neutrality Law

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is seeking comment on proposed rules to implement a new net neutrality law.  The law requires the PUC to obtain a refund of any High Cost Support Mechanism (HCSM) grant money awarded to an internet service provider (ISP) found to have engaged in practices that violate the law. Comments on the proposed rules are due by September 20, 2019; reply comments are due October 4, 2019.  A hearing will be held on October 21, 2019.  Inteserra Briefing Service subscribers see Briefing dated 8/28/19

Iowa Seeks Comment on Regulatory Framework for Alternative Operator Services

The Iowa Utilities Board (Board) has opened an inquiry to evaluate the regulatory framework that applies to alternative operator services (AOS) companies in Iowa.  The goals of the inquiry are to review the existing regulatory framework regarding AOS in Iowa, consider whether that framework needs to be revised, decide whether new rules need to be adopted, address any new technology, and review any recent changes in related statutes and rules.   Comments are due September 19, 2019; reply comments are due October 4, 2019.  Inteserra Briefing Service subscribers see Briefing dated 8/28/19

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The Regulatory Mix, Inteserra’s blog of telecom related regulatory activities, is a snapshot of PUC, FCC, legislative, and occasionally court issues that our regulatory monitoring team uncovers each day. Depending on their significance, some items may be the subject of an Inteserra Briefing.