Federal Communications Commission FCC 11-55
STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER MEREDITH ATTWELL BAKER
Re: Reliability and Continuity of Communications Networks, Including Broadband 
Technologies (PS Docket No. 11-60); Effects on Broadband Communications 
Networks for Damage or Failure of Network Equipment of Severe Overload (PS 
Docket No. 10-92); Independent Panel Reviewing the Impact of Hurricane 
Katrina on Communications Networks (EB Docket No. 06-119)
The American people deserve the highest degree of continuity, reliability, and 
resiliency in their communications networks.  All segments of our society, from national 
security to consumer welfare, increasingly depend on them.  This is particularly true  in 
the event of a disaster, regardless of whether it is natural or man-made.  Exploring the 
capabilities and deficiencies of our networks is critical to determining any improvements 
needed to them.  The inquiry we launch today will help us understand how and if we can 
use our authority to promote these improvements as our Nation’s technologies and 
systems continue to evolve.  I look forward to learning more as we work together to 
analyze this essential infrastructure.