Media Contact: 
Rochelle Cohen, (202) 418-1162
rochelle.cohen@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
FCC IMPROVES AND PROPOSES UPDATES TO ITS COMMUNICATIONS 
NETWORK OUTAGE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS  
Action Will Promote Network Reliability
WASHINGTON, May 25, 2016 – The Federal Communications Commission today took action 
to improve and update its communications network outage reporting requirements so that the 
agency can maintain awareness of network disruptions and promote reliable communications for 
consumers and businesses. 
For over a decade, communications providers have kept the Commission apprised of major 
disruptions in their networks in accordance with the agency’s network outage reporting 
requirements. Data from these reports have enabled the Commission to detect adverse outage 
trends, monitor and assist restoration efforts in times of crisis, and coordinate with public safety 
officials and other affected third parties. Post-restoration, this information has enabled the 
Commission to facilitate industry-wide network improvements (for example, by encouraging the 
development of industry best practices) and standards-setting. 
In a Report and Order adopted today, the Commission made targeted refinements to its current 
reporting requirements to enhance the information it receives on outages related to legacy 
networks and reduce burdens on industry. 
In addition, in an accompanying Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the Commission 
proposed updating its reporting requirements to keep pace with technological change. The 
Commission noted that communications providers are transitioning from legacy to IP-based 
networks, and the nation’s 911 services are already increasingly reliant on broadband technology. 
However the current outage reporting requirements are largely centered on legacy networks and 
services. The Commission is therefore seeking comment on a proposal to update its reporting 
requirements to address broadband disruptions. The Commission also proposed updates to its 
current reporting requirements for interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) providers 
to ensure greater usefulness and consistency of information, as well as proposed changes to better
reflect wireless outages in rural areas. 
Action by the Commission May 25, 2016 by Report and Order, Further Notice of Proposed 
Rulemaking, and Order on Reconsideration (FCC 16-63).  Chairman Wheeler, Commissioners 
Clyburn and Rosenworcel approving.  Commissioners Pai and O’Rielly concurring in part and 
dissenting in part.  Chairman Wheeler, Commissioners Clyburn, Rosenworcel, Pai and O’Rielly 
issuing separate statements.  
PS Docket No. 15-80; ET Docket No. 04-35; PS Docket No. 11-82
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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).