Editor’s note: We wrote in the original version of this story that the FCC appeared ready to require broadcasters to report into the DIRS system. However, we were premature.
The FCC January meeting does include a scheduled vote on an order that would require cable, wireline, wireless and interconnected VoIP providers to report infrastructure status in DIRS. But the question of whether to require TV, radio and satellite providers to report will not be settled this month. The FCC instead will vote on whether to open a second further notice of proposed rulemaking exploring that further.
The FCC has announced a tentative agenda for its January meeting. It includes an item to enhance use of the Disaster Information Reporting System.
The commission said it will consider a mandate that would transition the current, voluntary DIRS outage reporting structure to a mandatory structure for certain communications providers.
The FCC typically activates DIRS to collect operational status and restoration information from communications providers during major disasters and subsequent recovery efforts. The web-based system is used by broadcast, wireless, wireline, cable, interconnected VoIP and broadband service providers.
Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in a press release that, in addition to the possibility of mandating DIRS reporting for certain communications providers, the FCC will consider proposals to expand reporting to include other providers.
“Fast and reliable reporting of communications outages during disasters can help emergency management personnel make smarter and faster decisions when they matter most. It can also offer valuable lessons to prevent service disruptions in the future,” Rosenworcel says.
DIRS filing has been voluntary since it was established in 2007, in response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. However, the FCC in 2021 published a proposal that would have possibly mandated broadcasters to submit status reports following hurricanes and other natural disasters. While the focus of the proceeding was primarily on wireless networks and the 911 infrastructure, the FCC also examined DIRS participation by broadcasters.
Its monthly meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 24.
