OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
February 22, 2018
The Honorable Elijah E. Cummings
Ranking Member
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
U.S. House of Representatives
2471 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Cummings:
On January 9, 2018, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) publicly released a report
entitled FCC Should Improve Monitoring of Industry Efforts to Strengthen Wireless Network Resiliency,
GAO 18-198 (Wireless Resiliency Report).' GAO was asked to examine federal efforts to ensure the
resiliency of wireless networks following natural disasters and other physical incidents. The Wireless
Resiliency Report examines: (1) trends in mobile wireless outages reported to the FCC since 2009 and (2)
actions federal agencies and industry have taken since 20 13 (after Hurricane Sandy) to improve wireless
network resiliency, among other objectives. GAO also assessed the FCC's efforts to monitor an industry
initiative, the Wireless Resiliency Cooperative Framework (Framework), to improve wireless network
resiliency against federal internal control standards.
The Wireless Resiliency Report recommends that the Commission continue its work with
industry "to develop specific and measurable objectives" for the Commission's Framework, including
such outputs to measure the extent of the Framework's use.2 In a December 1, 2017 response to a draft of
the Wireless Resiliency Report, the Chief of the Commission's Public Safety and Homeland Security
Bureau (Bureau) noted that the voluntary Framework is based on cooperation with wireless
telecommunications providers, and agreed with GAO' s recommendation.3 Commission staff is
undertaking to work with the Framework's signatories, as well as other industry stakeholders, to evaluate
whether there are measureable objectives that accurately reflect the extent of the Framework's use. I
anticipate this outreach will result in the development of measurable outputs that will provide the
Commission with practical information on the usefulness of the Framework.
The Wireless Resiliency Report also recommends that the Commission "develop a plan to
monitor the outputs and outcomes of the Wireless Network Resiliency Cooperative Framework and
document the results of its monitoring to evaluate its effectiveness and identify whether changes are
needed."4 I will ensure that FCC staff has developed a structured plan to monitor and evaluate the
Framework's impact on wireless network resiliency. We will then work with industry and other affected
stakeholders to identify areas for improvement and determine how the Framework may be adjusted to
better improve wireless network resiliency.
'GAO, FCC Should Improve Monitoring of Industry Efforts to Strengthen Wireless Network Resiliency, GAO 18-
198, available at htts:\w\\cao .,3ovproducts'GAO-Ii-i9S.
2 Id. at 36.
Id. at 53.
4
Page 2-The Honorable Elijah B. Cummings
I also agree with the Wireless Resiliency Report's recommendation that the Commission "should
promote awareness about the elements of and any outcomes from the Wireless Network Resiliency
Cooperative Framework among state and local public safety officials and other industry stakeholders,
such as through existing outreach mechanisms and government-industry forums."5 As the Bureau Chief
noted in her response to GAO, we will leverage our existing methods of regularly sharing information
with relevant state, local public safety and other industry stakeholders to promote greater awareness of the
Framework's elements and outcomes.6 We will also rely on our existing participation in the Federal
Emergency Management Agency's ten Regional Emergency Communications Coordination Working
Groups, which include emergency response organizations from federal, state, tribal, and local
governments, nongovernmental organizations, and private sector entities, to further this awareness.7
I appreciate GAO's thorough analysis and recommendations. Thank you for the opportunity to
respond to the Wireless Resiliency Report, and I look forward to discussing this issue with you further if
you have any questions.
Sincerely,
	
'Ut'
AjitV. Pai
51d. at 36.
61d. at 53.
Id.
2
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
February 22, 2018
The Honorable Trey Gowdy
Chairman
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
U.S. House of Representatives
2157 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Chairman Gowdy:
On January 9, 2018, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) publicly released a report
entitled FCC Should Improve Monitoring of Industry Efforts to Strengthen Wireless Network Resiliency,
GAO 18-198 (Wireless Resiliency Report).1 GAO was asked to examine federal efforts to ensure the
resiliency of wireless networks following natural disasters and other physical incidents. The Wireless
Resiliency Report examines: (1) trends in mobile wireless outages reported to the FCC since 2009 and (2)
actions federal agencies and industry have taken since 2013 (after Hurricane Sandy) to improve wireless
network resiliency, among other objectives. GAO also assessed the FCC's efforts to monitor an industry
initiative, the Wireless Resiliency Cooperative Framework (Framework), to improve wireless network
resiliency against federal internal control standards.
The Wireless Resiliency Report recommends that the Commission continue its work with
industry "to develop specific and measurable objectives" for the Commission's Framework, including
such outputs to measure the extent of the Framework's use.2 In a December 1, 2017 response to a draft of
the Wireless Resiliency Report, the Chief of the Commission's Public Safety and Homeland Security
Bureau (Bureau) noted that the voluntary Framework is based on cooperation with wireless
telecommunications providers, and agreed with GAO's recommendation.3 Commission staff is
undertaking to work with the Framework's signatories, as well as other industry stakeholders, to evaluate
whether there are measureable objectives that accurately reflect the extent of the Framework's use. I
anticipate this outreach will result in the development of measurable outputs that will provide the
Commission with practical information on the usefulness of the Framework.
The Wireless Resiliency Report also recommends that the Commission "develop a plan to
monitor the outputs and outcomes of the Wireless Network Resiliency Cooperative Framework and
document the results of its monitoring to evaluate its effectiveness and identify whether changes are
needed."4 I will ensure that FCC staff has developed a structured plan to monitor and evaluate the
Framework's impact on wireless network resiliency. We will then work with industry and other affected
stakeholders to identify areas for improvement and determine how the Framework may be adjusted to
better improve wireless network resiliency.
'GAO, FCC Should Improve Monitoring of Industry Efforts to Strengthen Wireless Network Resiliency, GAO 18-
198, available at https:/!www.gao.govproducts/GAO 18- 98.
21d.at36.
id, at 53.
4
Page 2-The Honorable Trey Gowdy
I also agree with the Wireless Resiliency Report's recommendation that the Commission "should
promote awareness about the elements of and any outcomes from the Wireless Network Resiliency
Cooperative Framework among state and local public safety officials and other industry stakeholders,
such as through existing outreach mechanisms and government-industry forums."5 As the Bureau Chief
noted in her response to GAO, we will leverage our existing methods of regularly sharing information
with relevant state, local public safety and other industiy stakeholders to promote greater awareness of the
Framework's elements and outcomes.6 We will also rely on our existing participation in the Federal
Emergency Management Agency's ten Regional Emergency Communications Coordination Working
Groups, which include emergency response organizations from federal, state, tribal, and local
governments, nongovernmental organizations, and private sector entities, to further this awareness.7
I appreciate GAO's thorough analysis and recommendations. Thank you for the opportunity to
respond to the Wireless Resiliency Report, and I look forward to discussing this issue with you further if
you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Ajit V. Pai
51d. at 36,
61d. at 53.
Id.
2
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
February 22, 2018
The Honorable Claire McCaskill
Ranking Member
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
United States Senate
442 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Congresswoman McCaski II:
On January 9, 2018, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) publicly released a report
entitled FCC Should Improve Monitoring of Industry Efforts to Strengthen Wireless Network Resiliency,
GAO 18-198 (Wireless Resiliency Report).' GAO was asked to examine federal efforts to ensure the
resiliency of wireless networks following natural disasters and other physical incidents. The Wireless
Resiliency Report examines: (1) trends in mobile wireless outages reported to the FCC since 2009 and (2)
actions federal agencies and industry have taken since 2013 (after Hurricane Sandy) to improve wireless
network resiliency, among other objectives. GAO also assessed the FCC's efforts to monitor an industry
initiative, the Wireless Resiliency Cooperative Framework (Framework), to improve wireless network
resiliency against federal internal control standards.
The Wireless Resiliency Report recommends that the Commission continue its work with
industry "to develop specific and measurable objectives" for the Commission's Framework, including
such outputs to measure the extent of the Framework's use.2 In a December 1, 2017 response to a draft of
the Wireless Resiliency Report, the Chief of the Commission's Public Safety and Homeland Security
Bureau (Bureau) noted that the voluntary Framework is based on cooperation with wireless
telecommunications providers, and agreed with GAO's recommendation.3 Commission staff is
undertaking to work with the Framework's signatories, as well as other industry stakeholders, to evaluate
whether there are measureable objectives that accurately reflect the extent of the Framework's use. I
anticipate this outreach will result in the development of measurable outputs that will provide the
Commission with practical information on the usefulness of the Framework.
The Wireless Resiliency Report also recommends that the Commission "develop a plan to
monitor the outputs and outcomes of the Wireless Network Resiliency Cooperative Framework and
document the results of its monitoring to evaluate its effectiveness and identify whether changes are
needed."4 I will ensure that FCC staff has developed a structured plan to monitor and evaluate the
Framework's impact on wireless network resiliency. We will then work with industry and other affected
stakeholders to identify areas for improvement and determine how the Framework may be adjusted to
better improve wireless network resiliency.
'GAO, FCC Should Improve Monitoring of Industry Efforts to Strengthen Wireless Network Resiliency, GAO 18-
198, available
2 Id. at 36.
31d. at53.
4
Page 2-The Honorable Claire McCaskill
I also agree with the Wireless Resiliency Report's recommendation that the Commission "should
promote awareness about the elements of and any outcomes from the Wireless Network Resiliency
Cooperative Framework among state and local public safety officials and other industry stakeholders,
such as through existing outreach mechanisms and government-industry forums."5 As the Bureau Chief
noted in her response to GAO, we will leverage our existing methods of regularly sharing information
with relevant state, local public safety and other industry stakeholders to promote greater awareness of the
Framework's elements and outcomes.6 We will also rely on our existing participation in the Federal
Emergency Management Agency's ten Regional Emergency Communications Coordination Working
Groups, which include emergency response organizations from federal, state, tribal, and local
governments, nongovernmental organizations, and private sector entities, to further this awareness.7
I appreciate GAO's thorough analysis and recommendations. Thank you for the opportunity to
respond to the Wireless Resiliency Report, and 1 look forward to discussing this issue with you further if
you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Ajit V. Pai
51d. at 36.
6 Id, at 53.
Id.
2
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
February 22, 2018
The Honorable Frank Pallone
Ranking Member
Committee on Energy and Commerce
U.S. House of Representatives
2322A Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Pallone:
On January 9. 2018, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) publicly released a report
entitled FCC Should Improve Monitoring of Industry Efforts to Strengthen Wireless Network Resiliency,
GAO 18-198 (Wireless Resiliency Report).1 GAO was asked to examine federal efforts to ensure the
resiliency of wireless networks following natural disasters and other physical incidents. The Wireless
Resiliency Report examines: (1) trends in mobile wireless outages reported to the FCC since 2009 and (2)
actions federal agencies and industry have taken since 2013 (after Hurricane Sandy) to improve wireless
network resiliency, among other objectives. GAO also assessed the FCC's efforts to monitor an industry
initiative, the Wireless Resiliency Cooperative Framework (Framework), to improve wireless network
resiliency against federal internal control standards.
The Wireless Resiliency Report recommends that the Commission continue its work with
industry "to develop specific and measurable objectives" for the Commission's Framework, including
such outputs to measure the extent of the Framework's use.2 In a December 1, 2017 response to a draft of
the Wireless Resiliency Report, the Chief of the Commission's Public Safety and Homeland Security
Bureau (Bureau) noted that the voluntary Framework is based on cooperation with wireless
telecommunications providers, and agreed with GAO's recommendation.3 Commission staff is
undertaking to work with the Framework's signatories, as well as other industry stakeholders, to evaluate
whether there are measureable objectives that accurately reflect the extent of the Framework's use, I
anticipate this outreach will result in the development of measurable outputs that will provide the
Commission with practical information on the usefulness of the Framework.
The Wireless Resiliency Report also recommends that the Commission "develop a plan to
monitor the outputs and outcomes of the Wireless Network Resiliency Cooperative Framework and
document the results of its monitoring to evaluate its effectiveness and identify whether changes are
needed,"4 I will ensure that FCC staff has developed a structured plan to monitor and evaluate the
Framework's impact on wireless network resiliency. We will then work with industry and other affected
stakeholders to identify areas for improvement and determine how the Framework may be adjusted to
better improve wireless network resiliency.
1 GAO, FCC Should Improve Monitoring of Industry Efforts to Strengthen Wireless Network Resiliency, GAO 18-
198, available at
2 Id. at 36.
Id. at 53.
' Id.
Page 2-The Honorable Frank Pallone
I also agree with the Wireless Resiliency Report's recommendation that the Commission "should
promote awareness about the elements of and any outcomes from the Wireless Network Resiliency
Cooperative Framework among state and local public safety officials and other industry stakeholders,
such as through existing outreach mechanisms and government-industry forums."5 As the Bureau Chief
noted in her response to GAO, we will leverage our existing methods of regularly sharing information
with relevant state, local public safety and other industry stakeholders to promote greater awareness of the
Framework's elements and outcomes.6 We will also rely on our existing participation in the Federal
Emergency Management Agency's ten Regional Emergency Communications Coordination Working
Groups, which include emergency response organizations from federal, state, tribal, and local
governments, nongovernmental organizations, and private sector entities, to further this awareness.7
I appreciate GAO's thorough analysis and recommendations. Thank you for the opportunity to
respond to the Wireless Resiliency Report, and I look forward to discussing this issue with you further if
you have any questions.
Sincerely,
v. A
Ajit V. Pai
51d.at36.
6 Id. at 53.
Id.
2
O F F I C E  O F
T H E  C H A I R M A N
F E D E R A L  C O M M U N I C A T I O N S  C O M M I S S I O N
W A S H I N G T O N
F e b r u a r y  2 2 ,  2 0 1 8
T h e  H o n o r a b l e  G r e g  W a l d e n
C h a i r m a n
C o m m i t t e e  o n  E n e r g y  a n d  C o m m e r c e
U . S .  H o u s e  o f  R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s
2 1 2 5  R a y b u r n  H o u s e  O f f i c e  B u i l d i n g
W a s h i n g t o n ,  D . C .  2 0 5 1 5
D e a r  C h a i r m a n  W a l d e n :
O n  J a n u a r y  9 ,  2 0 1 8 ,  t h e  G o v e r n m e n t  A c c o u n t a b i l i t y  O f f i c e  ( G A O )  p u b l i c l y  r e l e a s e d  a  r e p o r t
e n t i t l e d  F C C  S h o u l d  I m p r o v e  M o n i t o r i n g  o f  I n d u s t r y  E f f o r t s  t o  S t r e n g t h e n  W i r e l e s s  N e t w o r k  R e s i l i e n c y ,
G A O  1 8 - 1 9 8  ( W i r e l e s s  R e s i l i e n c y  R e p o r t ) . 1  G A O  w a s  a s k e d  t o  e x a m i n e  f e d e r a l  e f f o r t s  t o  e n s u r e  t h e
r e s i l i e n c y  o f  w i r e l e s s  n e t w o r k s  f o l l o w i n g  n a t u r a l  d i s a s t e r s  a n d  o t h e r  p h y s i c a l  i n c i d e n t s .  T h e  W i r e l e s s
R e s i l i e n c y  R e p o r t  e x a m i n e s :  ( 1 )  t r e n d s  i n  m o b i l e  w i r e l e s s  o u t a g e s  r e p o r t e d  t o  t h e  F C C  s i n c e  2 0 0 9  a n d  ( 2 )
a c t i o n s  f e d e r a l  a g e n c i e s  a n d  i n d u s t r y  h a v e  t a k e n  s i n c e  2 0 1 3  ( a f t e r  H u r r i c a n e  S a n d y )  t o  i m p r o v e  w i r e l e s s
n e t w o r k  r e s i l i e n c y ,  a m o n g  o t h e r  o b j e c t i v e s .  G A O  a l s o  a s s e s s e d  t h e  F C C ' s  e f f o r t s  t o  m o n i t o r  a n  i n d u s t r y
i n i t i a t i v e ,  t h e W i r e l e s s  R e s i l i e n c y  C o o p e r a t i v e  F r a m e w o r k  ( F r a m e w o r k ) ,  t o  i m p r o v e  w i r e l e s s  n e t w o r k
r e s i l i e n c y  a g a i n s t  f e d e r a l  i n t e r n a l  c o n t r o l  s t a n d a r d s .
T h e  W i r e l e s s  R e s i l i e n c y  R e p o r t  r e c o m m e n d s  t h a t  t h e  C o m m i s s i o n  c o n t i n u e  i t s  w o r k  w i t h
i n d u s t r y  " t o  d e v e l o p  s p e c i f i c  a n d  m e a s u r a b l e  o b j e c t i v e s "  f o r  t h e  C o m m i s s i o n ' s  F r a m e w o r k ,  i n c l u d i n g
s u c h  o u t p u t s  t o  m e a s u r e  t h e  e x t e n t  o f  t h e  F r a m e w o r k ' s  u s e . 2  I n  a  D e c e m b e r  1 ,  2 0 1 7  r e s p o n s e  t o  a  d r a f t  o f
t h e  W i r e l e s s  R e s i l i e n c y  R e p o r t ,  t h e  C h i e f  o f t h e  C o m m i s s i o n ' s  P u b l i c  S a f e t y  a n d  H o m e l a n d  S e c u r i t y
B u r e a u  ( B u r e a u )  n o t e d  t h a t  t h e  v o l u n t a r y  F r a m e w o r k  i s  b a s e d  o n  c o o p e r a t i o n  w i t h  w i r e l e s s
t e l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s  p r o v i d e r s ,  a n d  a g r e e d  w i t h  G A O ' s  r e c o m m e n d a t i o n . 3  C o m m i s s i o n  s t a f f  i s
u n d e r t a k i n g  t o  w o r k  w i t h  t h e  F r a m e w o r k ' s  s i g n a t o r i e s ,  a s  w e l l  a s  o t h e r  i n d u s t r y  s t a k e h o l d e r s ,  t o  e v a l u a t e
w h e t h e r  t h e r e  a r e  m e a s u r e a b l e  o b j e c t i v e s  t h a t  a c c u r a t e l y  r e f l e c t  t h e  e x t e n t  o f  t h e  F r a m e w o r k ' s  u s e .  I
a n t i c i p a t e  t h i s  o u t r e a c h  w i l l  r e s u l t  i n  t h e  d e v e l o p m e n t  o f  m e a s u r a b l e  o u t p u t s  t h a t  w i l l  p r o v i d e  t h e
C o m m i s s i o n  w i t h  p r a c t i c a l  i n f o r m a t i o n  o n  t h e  u s e f u l n e s s  o f  t h e  F r a m e w o r k .
T h e  W i r e l e s s  R e s i l i e n c y  R e p o r t  a l s o  r e c o m m e n d s  t h a t  t h e  C o m m i s s i o n  " d e v e l o p  a  p l a n  t o
m o n i t o r  t h e  o u t p u t s  a n d  o u t c o m e s  o f  t h e  W i r e l e s s  N e t w o r k  R e s i l i e n c y  C o o p e r a t i v e  F r a m e w o r k  a n d
d o c u m e n t  t h e  r e s u l t s  o f  i t s  m o n i t o r i n g  t o  e v a l u a t e  i t s  e f f e c t i v e n e s s  a n d  i d e n t i f y  w h e t h e r  c h a n g e s  a r e
n e e d e d . " 4  I  w i l l  e n s u r e  t h a t  F C C  s t a f f  h a s  d e v e l o p e d  a  s t r u c t u r e d  p l a n  t o  m o n i t o r  a n d  e v a l u a t e  t h e
F r a m e w o r k ' s  i m p a c t  o n  w i r e l e s s  n e t w o r k  r e s i l i e n c y . W e  w i l l  t h e n  w o r k  w i t h  i n d u s t r y  a n d  o t h e r  a f f e c t e d
s t a k e h o l d e r s  t o  i d e n t i f y  a r e a s  f o r  i m p r o v e m e n t  a n d  d e t e r m i n e  h o w  t h e  F r a m e w o r k  m a y  b e  a d j u s t e d  t o
b e t t e r  i m p r o v e  w i r e l e s s  n e t w o r k  r e s i l i e n c y .
G A O ,  F C C  S h o u l d  I m p r o v e  M o n i t o r i n g  o f  I n d u s t r y  E f f o r t s  t o  S t r e n g t h e n  W i r e l e s s  N e t w o r k  R e s i l i e n c y ,  G A O  1 8 -
1 9 8 ,  a v a i l a b l e  a t
I d .  a t  3 6 .
I d . a t  5 3 .
4
Page 2-The Honorable Greg Walden
I also agree with the Wireless Resiliency Report's recommendation that the Commission "should
promote awareness about the elements of and any outcomes from the Wireless Network Resiliency
Cooperative Framework among state and local public safety officials and other industry stakeholders,
such as through existing outreach mechanisms and government-industry forums."5 As the Bureau Chief
noted in her response to GAO, we will leverage our existing methods of regularly sharing information
with relevant state, local public safety and other industry stakeholders to promote greater awareness of the
Framework's elements and outcomes.6 We will also rely on our existing participation in the Federal
Emergency Management Agency's ten Regional Emergency Communications Coordination Working
Groups, which include emergency response organizations from federal, state, tribal, and local
governments, nongovernmental organizations, and private sector entities, to further this awareness,7
I appreciate GAO's thorough analysis and recommendations. Thank you for the opportunity to
respond to the Wireless Resiliency Report, and I look forward to discussing this issue with you further if
you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Ajit V. Pai H
51d. at 36.
61d. at53.
Id.
2
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
February 22, 2018
The Honorable Bill Nelson
Ranking Member
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
United States Senate
425 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator Nelson:
On January 9, 2018, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) publicly released a report
entitled FCC Should Improve Monitoring of Industry Efforts to Strengthen Wireless Network Resiliency,
GAO 18-198 (Wireless Resiliency Report)) GAO was asked to examine federal efforts to ensure the
resiliency of wireless networks following natural disasters and other physical incidents. The Wireless
Resiliency Report examines: (1) trends in mobile wireless outages reported to the FCC since 2009 and (2)
actions federal agencies and industry have taken since 2013 (after Hurricane Sandy) to improve wireless
network resiliency, among other objectives. GAO also assessed the FCC's efforts to monitor an industry
initiative, the Wireless Resiliency Cooperative Framework (Framework), to improve wireless network
resiliency against federal internal control standards.
The Wireless Resiliency Report recommends that the Commission continue its work with
industry "to develop specific and measurable objectives" for the Commission's Framework, including
such outputs to measure the extent of the Framework's use.2 In a December 1,2017 response to a draft of
the Wireless Resiliency Report, the Chief of the Commission's Public Safety and Homeland Security
Bureau (Bureau) noted that the voluntary Framework is based on cooperation with wireless
telecommunications providers, and agreed with GAO's recommendation.3 Commission staff is
undertaking to work with the Framework's signatories, as well as other industry stakeholders, to evaluate
whether there are measureable objectives that accurately reflect the extent of the Framework's use. I
anticipate this outreach will result in the development of measurable outputs that will provide the
Commission with practical information on the usefulness of the Framework.
The Wireless Resiliency Report also recommends that the Commission "develop a plan to
monitor the outputs and outcomes of the Wireless Network Resiliency Cooperative Framework and
document the results of its monitoring to evaluate its effectiveness and identify whether changes are
needed."4 I will ensure that FCC staff has developed a structured plan to monitor and evaluate the
Framework's impact on wireless network resiliency. We will then work with industry and other affected
stakeholders to identify areas for improvement and determine how the Framework may be adjusted to
better improve wireless network resiliency.
'GAO, FCC Should Improve Monitoring of Industry Efforts to Strengthen Wireless Network Resiliency, GAO 18-
198, available at Iiltps: vvwwao.go\'prodtIcuGAO- 18-198.
2 Id. at 36.
31d. at53.
Id.
Page 2-The Honorable Bill Nelson
I also agree with the Wireless Resiliency Report's recommendation that the Commission "should
promote awareness about the elements of and any outcomes from the Wireless Network Resiliency
Cooperative Framework among state and local public safety officials and other industry stakeholders,
such as through existing outreach mechanisms and government-industry forums."5 As the Bureau Chief
noted in her response to GAO, we will leverage our existing methods of regularly sharing information
with relevant state, local public safety and other industry stakeholders to promote greater awareness of the
Framework's elements and outcomes.6 We will also rely on our existing participation in the Federal
Emergency Management Agency's ten Regional Emergency Communications Coordination Working
Groups, which include emergency response organizations from federal, state, tribal, and local
governments, nongovernmental organizations, and private sector entities, to further this awareness.7
I appreciate GAO's thorough analysis and recommendations. Thank you for the opportunity to
respond to the Wireless Resiliency Report, and I look forward to discussing this issue with you further if
you have any questions.
fl
Sincerely,
Ajit V. Pai
51d.at36.
61d. at53.
Id.
2
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
February 22, 2018
The Honorable John Thune
Chairman
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
United States Senate
512 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Chairman Thune:
On January 9, 2018, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) publicly released a report
entitled FCC Should Improve Monitoring of Industry Efforts to Strengthen Wireless Network Resiliency,
GAO 18-198 (Wireless Resiliency Report).1 GAO was asked to examine federal efforts to ensure the
resiliency of wireless networks following natural disasters and other physical incidents. The Wireless
Resiliency Report examines: (1) trends in mobile wireless outages reported to the FCC since 2009 and (2)
actions federal agencies and industiy have taken since 2013 (after Hurricane Sandy) to improve wireless
network resiliency, among other objectives. GAO also assessed the FCC's efforts to monitor an industry
initiative, the Wireless Resiliency Cooperative Framework (Framework), to improve wireless network
resiliency against federal internal control standards.
The Wireless Resiliency Report recommends that the Commission continue its work with
industry "to develop specific and measurable objectives" for the Commission's Framework, including
such outputs to measure the extent of the Framework's use.2 In a December 1, 2017 response to a draft of
the Wireless Resiliency Report, the Chief of the Commission's Public Safety and Homeland Security
Bureau (Bureau) noted that the voluntary Framework is based on cooperation with wireless
telecommunications providers, and agreed with GAO's recommendation.3 Commission staff is
undertaking to work with the Framework's signatories, as well as other industry' stakeholders, to evaluate
whether there are measureable objectives that accurately reflect the extent of the Framework's use. I
anticipate this outreach will result in the development of measurable outputs that will provide the
Commission with practical information on the usefulness of the Framework.
The Wireless Resiliency Report also recommends that the Commission "develop a plan to
monitor the outputs and outcomes of the Wireless Network Resiliency Cooperative Framework and
document the results of its monitoring to evaluate its effectiveness and identify whether changes are
needed."4 I will ensure that FCC staff has developed a structured plan to monitor and evaluate the
Framework's impact on wireless network resiliency. We will then work with industry and other affected
stakeholders to identify areas for improvement and determine how the Framework may be adjusted to
better improve wireless network resiliency.
'GAO, FCC Should Improve Monitoring of Industry Efforts to Strengthen Wireless Network Resiliency, GAO 18-
198, available at fifljDs://www.
21d at 36.
Id. at 53.
4
Page 2-The Honorable John Thune
I also agree with the Wireless Resiliency Report's recommendation that the Commission "should
promote awareness about the elements of and any outcomes from the Wireless Network Resiliency
Cooperative Framework among state and local public safety officials and other industry stakeholders,
such as through existing outreach mechanisms and government-industry forums."5 As the Bureau Chief
noted in her response to GAO, we will leverage our existing methods of regularly sharing information
with relevant state, local public safety and other industry stakeholders to promote greater awareness of the
Framework's elements and outcomes.6 We will also rely on our existing participation in the Federal
Emergency Management Agency's ten Regional Emergency Communications Coordination Working
Groups, which include emergency response organizations from federal, state, tribal, and local
governments, nongovernmental organizations, and private sector entities, to further this awareness.7
I appreciate GAO's thorough analysis and recommendations. Thank you for the opportunity to
respond to the Wireless Resiliency Report, and I look forward to discussing this issue with you further if
you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Ajit V. Pai
51d.at36.
61d. at 53.
Id.
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMIssION
WASHINGTON
February 22, 2018
The Honorable Chris Coons
Ranking Member
Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government
Committee on Appropriations
United States Senate
128 Capital Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator Coons:
On January 9, 2018, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) publicly released a report
entitled FCC Should Improve Monitoring of Industry Efforts to Strengthen Wireless Network Resiliency,
GAO 18-198 (Wireless Resiliency Report).1 GAO was asked to examine federal efforts to ensure the
resiliency of wireless networks following natural disasters and other physical incidents. The Wireless
Resiliency Report examines: (1) trends in mobile wireless outages reported to the FCC since 2009 and (2)
actions federal agencies and industry have taken since 2013 (after Hurricane Sandy) to improve wireless
network resiliency, among other objectives. GAO also assessed the FCC's efforts to monitor an industry
initiative, the Wireless Resiliency Cooperative Framework (Framework), to improve wireless network
resiliency against federal internal control standards.
The Wireless Resiliency Report recommends that the Commission continue its work with
industry "to develop specific and measurable objectives" for the Commission's Framework, including
such outputs to measure the extent of the Framework's use.2 In a December 1, 2017 response to a draft of
the Wireless Resiliency Report, the Chief ofthe Commission's Public Safety and Homeland Security
Bureau (Bureau) noted that the voluntary Framework is based on cooperation with wireless
telecommunications providers, and agreed with GAO's recommendation.3 Commission staff is
undertaking to work with the Framework's signatories, as well as other industry stakeholders, to evaluate
whether there are measureable objectives that accurately reflect the extent of the Framework's use. I
anticipate this outreach will result in the development of measurable outputs that will provide the
Commission with practical information on the usefulness of the Framework.
The Wireless Resiliency Report also recommends that the Commission "develop a plan to
monitor the outputs and outcomes of the Wireless Network Resiliency Cooperative Framework and
document the results of its monitoring to evaluate its effectiveness and identify whether changes are
needed."4 I will ensure that FCC staff has developed a structured plan to monitor and evaluate the
Framework's impact on wireless network resiliency. We will then work with industry and other affected
stakeholders to identify areas for improvement and determine how the Framework may be adjusted to
better improve wireless network resiliency.
'GAO, FCC Should Improve Monitoring of Industry Efforts to Strengthen Wireless Network Resiliency, GAO 18-
198, available at https://www.ao.gov/pjpducts!GAOI8I9.
2 Id. at 36.
Id. at 53.
' Id.
Page 2-The Honorable Chris Coons
I also agree with the Wireless Resiliency Report's recommendation that the Commission "should
promote awareness about the elements of and any outcomes from the Wireless Network Resiliency
Cooperative Framework among state and local public safety officials and other industry stakeholders,
such as through existing outreach mechanisms and government-industry forums."5 As the Bureau Chief
noted in her response to GAO, we will leverage our existing methods of regularly sharing information
with relevant state, local public safety and other industry stakeholders to promote greater awareness of the
Framework's elements and outcomes.6 We will also rely on our existing participation in the Federal
Emergency Management Agency's ten Regional Emergency Communications Coordination Working
Groups, which include emergency response organizations from federal, state, tribal, and local
governments, nongovernmental organizations, and private sector eiitities, to further this awareness,7
I appreciate GAO's thorough analysis and recommendations. Thank you for the opportunity to
respond to the Wireless Resiliency Report, and I look forward to discussing this issue with you further if
you have any questions.
V.. HAjit V. Pai
51d.at36.
61d. at 53.
Id.
2
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
February 22, 2018
The Honorable Shelley Moore Capito
Chairwoman
Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government
Committee on Appropriations
United States Senate
128 Capital Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Chairwoman Capito:
On January 9, 2018, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) publicly released a report
entitled FCC Should Improve Monitoring of Industry Efforts to Strengthen Wireless Network Resiliency,
GAO 18-198 (Wireless Resiliency Report).' GAO was asked to examine federal efforts to ensure the
resiliency of wireless networks following natural disasters and other physical incidents. The Wireless
Resiliency Report examines: (1) trends in mobile wireless outages reported to the FCC since 2009 and (2)
actions federal agencies and industry have taken since 2013 (after Hurricane Sandy) to improve wireless
network resiliency, among other objectives. GAO also assessed the FCC's efforts to monitor an industry
initiative, the Wireless Resiliency Cooperative Framework (Framework), to improve wireless network
resiliency against federal internal control standards.
The Wireless Resiliency Report recommends that the Commission continue its work with
industry "to develop specific and measurable objectives" for the Commission's Framework, including
such outputs to measure the extent of the Framework's use.2 In a December 1,2017 response to a draft of
the Wireless Resiliency Report, the Chief of the Commission's Public Safety and Homeland Security
Bureau (Bureau) noted that the voluntary Framework is based on cooperation with wireless
telecommunications providers, and agreed with GAO's recommendation.3 Commission staff is
undertaking to work with the Framework's signatories, as well as other industry stakeholders, to evaluate
whether there are measureable objectives that accurately reflect the extent of the Framework's use. I
anticipate this outreach will result in the development of measurable outputs that will provide the
Commission with practical information on the usefulness of the Framework.
The Wireless Resiliency Report also recommends that the Commission "develop a plan to
monitor the outputs and outcomes of the Wireless Network Resiliency Cooperative Framework and
document the results of its monitoring to evaluate its effectiveness and identif' whether changes are
needed."4 I will ensure that FCC staff has developed a structured plan to monitor and evaluate the
Framework's impact on wireless network resiliency. We will then work with industry and other affected
stakeholders to identif,' areas for improvement and determine how the Framework may be adjusted to
better improve wireless network resiliency.
'GAO, FCC Should Improve Monitoring of Industry Efforts to Strengthen Wireless Network Resiliency, GAO 18-
198, available at hjp:\\ y.zaogç\:productsGAO- ?:
	
.
2 Id. at 36.
Id. at 53.
4
Page 2-The Honorable Shelley Moore Capito
I also agree with the Wireless Resiliency Report's recommendation that the Commission "should
promote awareness about the elements of and any outcomes from the Wireless Network Resiliency
Cooperative Framework among state and local public safety officials and other industry stakeholders,
such as through existing outreach mechanisms and government-industry forums."5 As the Bureau Chief
noted in her response to GAO, we will leverage our existing methods of regularly sharing information
with relevant state, local public safety and other industry stakeholders to promote greater awareness of the
Framework's elements and outcomes.6 We will also rely on our existing participation in the Federal
Emergency Management Agency's ten Regional Emergency Communications Coordination Working
Groups, which include emergency response organizations from federal, state, tribal, and local
governments, nongovernmental organizations, and private sector entities, to further this awareness.7
I appreciate GAO's thorough analysis and recommendations, Thank you for the opportunity to
respond to the Wireless Resiliency Report, and I look forward to discussing this issue with you further if
you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Ajit V. Pai
51d.at36.
61d. at 53.
Id.
2
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
February 22, 2018
The Honorable Mike Quigley
Ranking Member
Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government
Committee on Appropriations
U.S. House of Representatives
2000 Rayburn House Office Building (G Floor)
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Quigley:
On January 9, 2018, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) publicly released a report
entitled FCC Should Improve Monitoring of Industry Efforts to Strengthen Wireless Network Resiliency,
GAO 18-198 (Wireless Resiliency Report)) GAO was asked to examine federal efforts to ensure the
resiliency of wireless networks following natural disasters and other physical incidents. The Wireless
Resiliency Report examines: (1) trends in mobile wireless outages reported to the FCC since 2009 and (2)
actions federal agencies and industry have taken since 2013 (after Hurricane Sandy) to improve wireless
network resiliency, among other objectives. GAO also assessed the FCC's efforts to monitor an industiy
initiative, the Wireless Resiliency Cooperative Framework (Framework), to improve wireless network
resiliency against federal internal control standards.
The Wireless Resiliency Report recommends that the Commission continue its work with
industry "to develop specific and measurable objectives" for the Commission's Framework, including
such outputs to measure the extent of the Framework's use.2 In a December 1,2017 response to a draft of
the Wireless Resiliency Report, the Chief of the Commission's Public Safety and Homeland Security
Bureau (Bureau) noted that the voluntary Framework is based on cooperation with wireless
telecommunications providers, and agreed with GAO's recommendation.3 Commission staff is
undertaking to work with the Framework's signatories, as well as other industry stakeholders, to evaluate
whether there are measureable objectives that accurately reflect the extent of the Framework's use. I
anticipate this outreach will result in the development of measurable outputs that will provide the
Commission with practical information on the usefulness of the Framework.
The Wireless Resiliency Report also recommends that the Commission "develop a plan to
monitor the outputs and outcomes of the Wireless Network Resiliency Cooperative Framework and
document the results of its monitoring to evaluate its effectiveness and identify whether changes are
needed."4 I will ensure that FCC staff has developed a structured plan to monitor and evaluate the
Framework's impact on wireless network resiliency. We will then work with industry and other affected
stakeholders to identify areas for improvement and determine how the Framework may be adjusted to
better improve wireless network resiliency.
'GAO, FCC Should Improve Monitoring of Industry Efforts to Strengthen Wireless Network Resiliency, GAO 18-
198, available at https::'www.eaogov prodiictsG AG- I 8-I 98.
21d. at 36.
id. at 53.
Id.
Page 2-The Honorable Mike Quigley
I also agree with the Wireless Resiliency Report's recommendation that the Commission "should
promote awareness about the elements of and any outcomes from the Wireless Network Resiliency
Cooperative Framework among state and local public safety officials and other industry stakeholders,
such as through existing outreach mechanisms and government-industry forums."5 As the Bureau Chief
noted in her response to GAO, we will leverage our existing methods of regularly sharing information
with relevant state, local public safety and other industry stakeholders to promote greater awareness of the
Framework's elements and outcomes.6 We will also rely on our existing participation in the Federal
Emergency Management Agency's ten Regional Emergency Communications Coordination Working
Groups, which include emergency response organizations from federal, state, tribal, and local
governments, nongovernmental organizations, and private sector entities, to further this awareness.7
I appreciate GAO's thorough analysis and recommendations. Thank you for the opportunity to
respond to the Wireless Resiliency Report, and I look forward to discussing this issue with you further if
you have any questions.
Sincerely,
AjitV. Pai
Id. at 36.
° Id. at 53.
Id,
2
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
February 22, 2018
The Honorable Tom Graves
Chairman
Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government
Committee on Appropriations
U.S. House of Representatives
2000 Rayburn House Office Building (G Floor)
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Chairman Graves:
On January 9, 2018, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) publicly released a report
entitled FCC Should Improve Monitoring of Industry Efforts to Strengthen Wireless Network I? esiliency,
GAO 18-198 (Wireless Resiliency Report).1 GAO was asked to examine federal efforts to ensure the
resiliency of wireless networks following natural disasters and other physical incidents. The Wireless
Resiliency Report examines: (1) trends in mobile wireless outages reported to the FCC since 2009 and (2)
actions federal agencies and industry have taken since 201 3 (after Hurricane Sandy) to improve wireless
network resiliency, among other objectives. GAO also assessed the FCC's efforts to monitor an industry
initiative, the Wireless Resiliency Cooperative Framework (Framework), to improve wireless network
resiliency against federal internal control standards.
The Wireless Resiliency Report recommends that the Commission continue its work with
industry "to develop specific and measurable objectives" for the Commission's Framework, including
such outputs to measure the extent of the Framework's use.2 In a December 1, 2017 response to a draft of
the Wireless Resiliency Report, the Chief ofthe Commission's Public Safety and Homeland Security
Bureau (Bureau) noted that the voluntary Framework is based on cooperation with wireless
telecommunications providers, and agreed with GAO's recommendation.3 Commission staff is
undertaking to work with the Framework's signatories, as well as other industry stakeholders, to evaluate
whether there are measureable objectives that accurately reflect the extent of the Framework's use. I
anticipate this outreach will result in the development of measurable outputs that will provide the
Commission with practical information on the usefulness of the Framework.
The Wireless Resiliency Report also recommends that the Commission "develop a plan to
monitor the outputs and outcomes of the Wireless Network Resiliency Cooperative Framework and
document the results of its monitoring to evaluate its effectiveness and identify whether changes are
needed."4 I will ensure that FCC staff has developed a structured plan to monitor and evaluate the
Framework's impact on wireless network resiliency. We will then work with industry and other affected
'GAO, FCC Should Improve Monitoring of Industry Efforts to Strengthen Wireless Network Resiliency, GAO 18-
198, available at
2 Id. at 36.
Id. at 53.
4
Page 2-The Honorable Tom Graves
stakeholders to identify areas for improvement and determine how the Framework may be adjusted to
better improve wireless network resiliency.
I also agree with the Wireless Resiliency Report's recommendation that the Commission "should
promote awareness about the elements of and any outcomes from the Wireless Network Resiliency
Cooperative Framework among state and local public safety officials and other industry stakeholders,
such as through existing outreach mechanisms and government-industry forums."5 As the Bureau Chief
noted in her response to GAO, we will leverage our existing methods of regularly sharing information
with relevant state, local public safety and other industry stakeholders to promote greater awareness of the
Framework's elements and outcomes.6 We will also rely on our existing participation in the Federal
Emergency Management Agency's ten Regional Emergency Communications Coordination Working
Groups, which include emergency response organizations from federal, state, tribal, and local
governments, nongovernmental organizations, and private sector entities, to further this awareness.7
I appreciate GAO's thorough analysis and recommendations. Thank you for the opportunity to
respond to the Wireless Resiliency Report, and I look forward to discussing this issue with you further if
you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Ajit V. Pai
51d.at36.
61d. at53.
Id.
2
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
February 22, 2018
The Honorable Ron Johnson
Chairmwt
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
United States Senate
340 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Chairman Johnson:
On January 9, 2018, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) publicly released a report
entitled FCC Should Improve Monitoring of Industry Efforts to Strengthen Wireless Network Resiliency,
GAO 18-198 (Wireless Resiliency Report)) GAO was asked to examine federal efforts to ensure the
resiliency of wireless networks following natural disasters and other physical incidents. The Wireless
Resiliency Report examines: (1) trends in mobile wireless outages reported to the FCC since 2009 and (2)
actions federal agencies and industry have taken since 2013 (after Hurricane Sandy) to improve wireless
network resiliency, among other objectives. GAO also assessed the FCC's efforts to monitor an industry
initiative, the Wireless Resiliency Cooperative Framework (Framework), to improve wireless network
resiliency against federal internal control standards.
The Wireless Resiliency Report recommends that the Commission continue its work with
industry "to develop specific and measurable objectives" for the Commission's Framework, including
such outputs to measure the extent of the Framework's use.2 In a December 1,2017 response to a draft of
the Wireless Resiliency Report, the Chief of the Commission's Public Safety and Homeland Security
Bureau (Bureau) noted that the voluntary Framework is based on cooperation with wireless
telecommunications providers, and agreed with GAO's recommendation.3 Commission staff is
undertaking to work with the Framework's signatories, as well as other industry stakeholders, to evaluate
whether there are measureable objectives that accurately reflect the extent of the Framework's use. I
anticipate this outreach will result in the development of measurable outputs that will provide the
Commission with practical information on the usefulness of the Framework.
The Wireless Resiliency Report also recommends that the Commission "develop a plan to
monitor the outputs and outcomes of the Wireless Network Resiliency Cooperative Framework and
document the results of its monitoring to evaluate its effectiveness and identify whether changes are
needed."4 I will ensure that FCC staff has developed a structured plan to monitor and evaluate the
Framework's impact on wireless network resiliency. We will then work with industry and other affected
stakeholders to identify areas for improvement and determine how the Framework may be adjusted to
better improve wireless network resiliency.
GAO, FCC Should Improve Monitoring of Industry Efforts to Strengthen Wireless Network Resiliency, GAO 18-
198, available at ftilps: w \\.s!oL \pi (tuc(I/\O- ? '9.
21d at 36.
Id. at 53.
' Id.
Page 2-The Honorable Ron Johnson
I also agree with the Wireless Resiliency Report's recommendation that the Commission "should
promote awareness about the elements of and any outcomes from the Wireless Network Resiliency
Cooperative Framework among state and local public safety officials and other industry stakeholders,
such as through existing outreach mechanisms and government-industry forums."5 As the Bureau Chief
noted in her response to GAO, we will leverage our existing methods of regularly sharing information
with relevant state, local public safety and other industry stakeholders to promote greater awareness of the
Framework's elements and outcomes.6 We will also rely on our existing participation in the Federal
Emergency Management Agency's ten Regional Emergency Communications Coordination Working
Groups, which include emergency response organizations from federal, state, tribal, and local
governments, nongovernmental organizations, and private sector entities, to further this awareness.7
I appreciate GAO's thorough analysis and recommendations. Thank you for the opportunity to
respond to the Wireless Resiliency Report, and I look forward to discussing this issue with you further if
you have any questions.
\v, H
Sincerely,
AjitV. Pai
51d.at36.
61d. at 53.
Id.
2