STATEMENT OF 
CHAIRMAN KEVIN J . MARTIN
Re: In the Matter of Recommendations of the Independent Panel Reviewing the Impact of 
Hurricane Katrina on Communications Networks, EB Docket No. 06-119, WC Docket 
No. 06-63. Second Report and Order (FCC 07-107)
Today, the Commission takes action to implement the recommendations of the 
Independent Katrina panel.   Experts on the panel from all sectors of the 
communications industry and leading public safety organizations worked hard to study 
the impact of the disaster and focus the Commission’s attention on proposals that would 
improve our response and recovery efforts for the future.
The recommendations we adopt today address a wide range of initiatives 
designed to improve disaster preparedness, network reliability and resilience, and 
communications among emergency responders. In particular, we require local exchange 
carriers and CMRS providers to have an emergency back-up power source for certain 
critical network facilities and we also require these service providers and VoIP providers 
file a report  with the Commission on the resiliency and reliability of their 911 networks 
or systems. 
I am pleased that, upon release of the Panel’s final recommendations, the Public 
Safety Bureau moved quickly to begin the process of implementing many of these 
recommendations.   I look forward to receiving the Bureau’s first full progress report this 
fall, and commit to continue to work with my colleagues to ensure that this Commission 
remains vigilant to improve communications for the needs of emergency preparedness 
and response.
I would again like to thank all the members of the Katrina panel for their public 
service and dedication.  The American public has benefited greatly from the thoughtful
contributions made by all the industry and public safety participants who gave their time 
and effort in this endeavor.
I would also like to thank Nancy Victory for her leadership as Chair of the panel.  
Her knowledge and expertise helped guide the panel and ensure that it would deliver a 
quality work product within a very tight timeframe. Finally, I would also like to express 
my appreciation to my fellow Commissioners for their continued support of the work of 
the Panel, and the efforts of our Public Safety Bureau as it enacts the improvements we 
adopt today.  
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