STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER ROBERT M. McDOWELL
Re:  In the Matter of Effects on Broadband Communications Networks of Damage to or 
Failure of Network Equipment or Severe Overload, Notice of Inquiry, PS Docket No. 10-92
Our work to enhance our understanding of the state of survivability in broadband 
communications networks and to explore potential measures to reduce vulnerability to failures in 
network equipment or server overload conditions, such as during a natural disaster, pandemic or 
terror attack, will be beneficial.  The timing is excellent given that hurricane season is a mere six 
weeks away.  I thank industry in advance for your assistance in this important endeavor.  
I look forward to engaging with interested parties and to gaining a better understanding 
about the status of our nation’s broadband networks.  I also want to explore further what the 
Commission’s role can and should be with fostering further developments. 
Thank you to Jamie Barnett and your entire team.  This is a critically important area and I 
appreciate the work you are doing.