FCC Ruling 47 CFR  PART 12—REDUNDANCY OF COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS
SOURCE: 72 FR 37673, July 11, 2007

This ruling in July, 2007 by the FCC was in direct response to the Katrina Commission and what they viewed as the breakdown in communications and emergency response during the hurricane.  It lays out new regulations and requirements for backup power for communications networks.  Here is the actual ruling:  (Click here for a .pdf download.)

PART 12—REDUNDANCY OF
COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS
Sec.
12.1 Purpose.
12.2 Backup power.
12.3 911 and E911 analyses and reports.

AUTHORITY: Sections 1, 4(i), 4(j), 4(o), 5(c),
218, 219, 301, 303(g), 303(j), 303(r), 332, 403,
621(b)(3), and 621(d) of the Communications
Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 151, 154(i),
154(j), 154(o), 155(c), 218, 219, 301, 303(g), 303(j),
303(r), 332, 403, 621(b)(3), and 621(d), unless otherwise noted.
SOURCE: 72 FR 37673, July 11, 2007, unless otherwise noted.

§ 12.1 Purpose.
The rules in this part include requirements that will help ensure the resiliency, redundancy and reliability of communications systems, particularly 911 and E911 networks and/or systems.

§ 12.2 Backup power.
Local exchange carriers (LECs), including incumbent LECS (ILECs) and competitive LECs (CLECs), and commercial
mobile radio service (CMRS) providers must have an emergency backup power source for all assets that are normally powered from local AC commercial power, including those inside central offices, cell sites, remote switches and digital loop carrier system remote terminals. LECs and CMRS providers should maintain emergency back-up power for a minimum of 24 hours for assets inside central offices and eight hours for cell sites, remote switches and digital loop carrier system remote terminals that are normally powered from local AC commercial power. LECs that meet the definition
of a Class B company as set forth in § 32.11(b)(2) of the Commission’s rules and non-nationwide CMRS providers
with no more than 500,000 subscribers are exempt from this rule.

EFFECTIVE DATE NOTE: At 72 FR 37673, July 11, 2007, § 12.2 was added, effective Aug. 10, 2007. At 72 FR 44978, Aug. 10, 2007, the addition was delayed until Oct. 9, 2007. 

§ 12.3 911 and E911 analysis and reports.
The following entities must analyze their 911 and E911 networks and/or systems and provide a detailed report to the Commission on the redundancy, resiliency, and reliability of those networks and/or systems: Local exchange carriers (LECs), including incumbent LECs (ILECS) and competitive LECs (CLECs); commercial mobile radio service providers required to comply with the wireless 911 rules set forth in § 20.18 of this chapter; and interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service providers. LECs that meet the definition of a Class B company set forth in § 32.11(b)(2) of this
chapter, non-nationwide commercial mobile radio service providers with no more than 500,000 subscribers at the
end of 2001, and interconnected VoIP service providers with annual revenues below the revenue threshold established
pursuant to § 32.11 of this chapter are exempt from this rule.

(a) The Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB) has the delegated authority to implement and activate a process through which these reports will be submitted, including the authority to establish the specific data that will be required. Where relevant, these reports should include descriptions of the steps the service providers intend to take to ensure diversity and dependability in their 911 and E911 networks
and/or systems, including any plans they have to migrate those networks and/or systems to a next generation
Internet Protocol-based E911 platform.

(b) These reports are due 120 days from the date that the Commission or its staff announces activation of the 911 network and system reporting process.

(c) Reports filed under this Part will be presumed to be confidential. These reports will be shared with The National Emergency Number Association, The Association of Public Safety Communications Officials, and The National Association of State 9–1–1 Administrators only pursuant to a protective order. PSHSB has the delegated authority to issue such protective orders.

All other access to these reports must be sought pursuant to procedures set forth in 47 CFR 0.461. Notice of any requests for inspection of these reports will be provided to the filers of the reports pursuant to 47 CFR 0.461(d)(3).

EFFECTIVE DATE NOTE: At 72 FR 37673, July 11, 2007, § 12.3 was added. This section contains information collection and record keeping requirements and will not become effective until approval has been given by the Office of Management and Budget.