Public Safety Bureau Wants Wireless Carriers to Explain California Wildfire Preparations
Wireless carriers need to explain to the FCC Public Safety Bureau how they plan to maintain wireless service in areas of California should there be intentional power outages to prevent wildfires, said bureau Chief Lisa Fowlkes Thursday in a blog…
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and letters to AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon and U.S. Cellular. “California energy providers have announced plans to potentially shut down power at times and in areas where the wildfire risk is high,” Fowlkes blogged. The letters noted reports about the planned outages quote wireless companies as saying they can maintain service. The bureau “would like to understand how AT&T intends to provide continued wireless service in the event of a power shutoff,” said a letter. She gave the companies 10 days to provide a written description of each step to continue service, including customer outreach and coordination plans with local public safety officials. The bureau wants to know what the carriers have done to protect their own infrastructure from the fires. AT&T received the letter and will respond, a spokesperson said. The other carriers didn't comment.