Federal Communications Commission	FCC 22-50


STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER BRENDAN CARR

Re: 	Resilient Networks, PS Docket No. 21-346; Amendments to Part 4 of the Commission’s Rules Concerning Disruptions to Communications, PS Docket No. 15-80; New Part 4 of the Commission’s Rules Concerning Disruptions to Communications, ET Docket No. 0435 (June 27, 2022)
Last September, I had the honor of joining Chairwoman Rosenworcel in Louisiana in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida.  During our trip, we heard directly from first responders, public safety officials, and service providers.  They talked with us about what went right, as well as what didn’t, from a network preparation and response standpoint.  Key themes emerged as we listened to leaders on the ground.  Not surprisingly, many of those themes and recommendations were consistent with what I heard in Florida following Hurricane Michael, as well as during other disaster-related field visits with first responders.  Perhaps most importantly, it became clear that we needed a more seamless process to enable roaming during disasters.   
America’s wireless providers have led the world in building robust, reliable communications networks.  In the decade since Superstorm Sandy, the wireless industry’s billions of dollars in investments have helped customers stay in touch and reach out for help during disasters.  On top of that, the industry-led voluntary framework that was created in 2016 has served as a model for closer coordination and the establishment of a set of best-practices.  This has without a doubt promoted public safety and improved lives.  
But with the passage of time and experience gained under this voluntary framework, it is clear to me that the FCC should build and expand upon that success.  That is why I announced my support last month for rules that would require mobile providers to participate in the wireless resiliency framework and mandate roaming during disaster arrangements.  And I am grateful to Chairwoman Rosenworcel for bringing forward this Order, which tracks that approach.  
Replacing the voluntary framework with new rules, as we do today, will provide consumers with strong, enforceable protections that will help ensure that even more Americans can reach public safety officials, loved ones, or others who can help during disaster scenarios where seconds can make all the difference.  Importantly, our approach strikes the right balance between promoting industry’s incentive to invest in their networks and continuing to implement lessons learned from each disaster.  And the clear rules we adopt today ensure that carriers have the flexibility necessary to manage fast-moving and diverse disaster scenarios.  By leveraging the beneficial parts of the voluntary framework and adding a new roaming during disaster obligation, providers can keep their focus on the time-sensitive work of maintaining and restoring their networks.  
I am grateful for the broad and diverse support from public safety and first responder groups that our approach has earned.  As their statements attest, these rules will help strengthen our wireless networks and improve access to vital communications services during disasters.  And I believe that we should focus going forward on ways that we can encourage other industry segments to meet the bar set by the mobile wireless segment. 
I want to extend a special thanks to Chairwoman Rosenworcel for working with me to develop the framework we adopt today.  I applaud her leadership and commitment to advancing the interests of consumers and public safety entities, especially during disasters.  The FCC’s hardworking staff, as always, also deserves credit here for preparing an item for consideration at the start of this year’s hurricane season.  I am also thankful that my colleagues acted quickly to strengthen our rules as we enter another hurricane season and communities are in the midst of responding to wildfires and other disasters.  
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