Pallone Applauds FCC's Commitment to Improving Emergency Communications

Statement

When Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. became Ranking Member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, the first thing he asked Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Wheeler and Commissioner Rosenworcel at a March 19, 2015 oversight hearing was what the FCC could do to improve communications during an emergency. Chairman Wheeler committed to Ranking Member Pallone that he would complete two proceedings this year that would help improve network reliability.

Today, Pallone released the following statement regarding Chairman Wheeler's announcement that he was taking the first step to live up to that commitment by presenting draft rules to his fellow Commissioners that would address some of these issues:

"Nearly three years ago, Superstorm Sandy devastated the New Jersey shore, knocking out communications across wide swaths of the state. In some areas, full service was not restored for weeks. These communications failures are simply unacceptable, especially in emergency situations.

"I am grateful that Chairman Wheeler announced today that he plans to live up to the commitment he made to me in March that he would work to improve communications in emergencies, both in New Jersey and across the country. As our communications networks transition to the digital age, it is critical that we ensure that consumers' communications equipment has back-up power when the lights go out.

"I will continue to press the Commission to make sure that network reliability continues to improve, including for wireless consumers. Everyone deserves to have reliable communications services in emergencies, regardless of the technology that they use."

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