FCC Updates 911 Network Reliability Requirements
The FCC adopted rules requiring 911 service providers to enhance network diversity, backup power, and annual reliability certifications.
Executive briefing: On November 15, 2023 the Federal Communications Commission strengthened its 911 reliability rules. Covered 911 service providers must file expanded annual certifications detailing diversity, backup power, and network monitoring; notify public safety answering points of outages within 30 minutes; and maintain alternative network routes for critical circuits.
Key policy signals
- Certification scope. Providers must document physical diversity, logical diversity, and backup power coverage for central offices and call-routing facilities.
- Outage notifications. The order tightens deadlines and requires standardized content for outage notices to 911 authorities.
- Implementation timelines. Providers have 12 months to update reliability plans and complete third-party audits if required.
Control alignment
- Emergency communications. Enterprises relying on E911 services should verify carrier compliance evidence and updated notification contacts.
- Continuity drills. Incorporate enhanced outage notification flows into emergency operations centre exercises.
- Vendor contracts. Update telecom procurement language to reflect FCC reliability obligations and reporting expectations.
Action checklist
- Request revised 911 reliability certifications from service providers once filed with the FCC.
- Validate backup power commitments at hosted call-handling sites supporting enterprise emergency communications.
- Ensure enterprise mass-notification systems can leverage the new outage notice data formats.
Sources
- FCC — FCC Adopts Rules to Strengthen 911 Network Reliability (November 15, 2023)
- FCC — 911 Reliability Report and Order
Zeph Tech works with telecom and public safety teams to operationalise the FCC’s 911 resilience mandate.