*Pages 1--4 from Microsoft Word - 25900.doc* NEWS Federal Communications Commission 445 12 th Street, S. W. Washington, D. C. 20554 This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D. C. Circ 1974). News Media Information 202 / 418- 0500 Internet: http:// www. fcc. gov TTY: 1- 888- 835- 5322 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEWS MEDIA CONTACTS March 14, 2003 FCC: Robin Pence (202) 418- 0505 Qwest: Vince Hancock (303) 965- 6950 HOMELAND SECURITY: COMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY CONSIDERS MEASURES TO PROVIDE SERVICE CONTINUITY AND DISASTER RECOVERY IN THE EVENT OF ATTACK Washington, D. C. – Leaders from the telecommunications, ISP, satellite and cable industries today began consideration of widespread recommendations to help restore communications services in the event of an attack on the nation’s communications infrastructure. The recommendations were presented by members of the Network Reliability and Interoperability Council (NRIC) VI at its quarterly meeting today at the FCC. The 56- member Council will review more than 200 best practices – many of which are currently being practiced within the industry today – for adoption and implementation. Votes will be completed on March 28, 2003. FCC Chairman Michael Powell said, “Today’s meeting marks the end of the first phase of NRIC’s mission to develop best practices that will help fortify our industry’s critical infrastructure and secure communications for all Americans. Our work is just beginning and much will be asked of us in the months ahead. The industry must now act to adopt and implement these recommendations to ensure the viability and operations of our communications services.” Richard C. Notebaert, NRIC chairman and chairman and CEO of Qwest Communications International, said, “The communications industry continues to prove its willingness to review and adopt the appropriate best practices so that industry players can continue to raise the bar on the performance and reliability of communications products and services. The communications industry takes its role in homeland security very seriously and this work effort demonstrates this commitment.” In developing its best practices for service continuity and disaster recovery, industry representatives identified and analyzed more than 200 best practices, covering a wide range of scenarios. In the area of cyber security, this represents the first time the communications industry has conducted a thorough assessment and analysis of best practices. 1 industries. It also established four new working groups to address homeland security: Physical Security, Cyber Security, Disaster Recovery and Public Safety. - FCC - 4