On November 21, Julius Genachowski, Federal Communication Commission (FCC) Chairman, announced that “beginning in early 2013, hearings will take place throughout the country in locations that have experienced major natural disasters, starting in New York. They will include businesses, public safety officials, engineering and academic experts, consumers and other stakeholders.” The goal is to “examine new challenges to the nation’s communication networks in the wake of Superstorm Sandy, and help inform recommendations and action to improve network resiliency.”

Chairman Genachowski said, “This unprecedented storm has revealed new challenges that will require a national dialogue around ideas and actions to ensure the resilience of communications networks.”  The field hearings will inquire about a number of topics, based on the FCC’s current assessment of the U.S. communications infrastructure post- Superstorm Sandy.

Among some of the questions already being put forward for input are: How can service providers’ best work together by sharing resources, such as cell sites, WiFi networks, and transmission facilities? What level of service is needed and expected during emergencies and for what modes of communications? What technologies and practices are in use today and how do they affect the ability of communications service providers to maintain service during power outages? What technologies, actions, practices, or requirements should be considered to help improve the availability of power? What role can libraries, community centers, and schools play as temporary communication centers?

The FCC will publish a full schedule of the public hearings in due course.