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Bill > HR588


US HR588

Securing Access to Networks in Disasters Act


summary

Introduced
01/17/2017
In Committee
01/18/2017
Crossed Over
01/24/2017
Passed
Dead
12/31/2018

Introduced Session

115th Congress

Bill Summary

Securing Access to Networks in Disasters Act (Sec. 2) This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to submit to Congress and publish on the FCC website a study on the public safety benefits, technical feasibility, and cost of providing the public with access to 9-1-1 services during times of emergency when mobile service is unavailable, through: telecommunications service provider-owned WiFi access points and other communications technologies operating on unlicensed spectrum, without requiring any login credentials; non-telecommunications service provider-owned WiFi access points; and other alternative means. The types of emergencies subject to this bill are: (1) occasions or instances under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act for which the President determines that federal assistance is needed to supplement state and local efforts and capabilities to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in any part of the United States; or (2) an emergency declared by the governor of a state or U.S. territory. (Sec. 3) The Stafford Act is amended to expand the categories of essential service providers that may access a disaster site to restore and repair essential services in an emergency or major disaster without being denied or impeded by a federal agency. Services to be considered essential are wireline or mobile telephone service, Internet access service, radio or television broadcasting, cable service, or direct broadcast satellite service.

AI Summary

This bill, the Securing Access to Networks in Disasters Act, requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to conduct a study on the public safety benefits, technical feasibility, and cost of providing the public with access to 911 services during emergencies when mobile service is unavailable. The study will examine the use of telecommunications service provider-owned WiFi access points, non-telecommunications service provider-owned WiFi access points, and other alternative means. The bill also expands the categories of essential service providers, such as wireline or mobile telephone, internet, radio, television, cable, and satellite service providers, that can access disaster sites to restore and repair essential services during emergencies or major disasters.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry, Transportation and Infrastructure

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (on 01/24/2017)

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