FCC considers requiring backup power to cell towers after massive disruption caused by Sandy
Hearings will begin early next year in New York
cell phone, iphone, smart phone
Posted: 11/21/2012
Last Updated:
182 days ago
ALBANY, N.Y. - The Federal Communications Commission will hold a series of hearings nationwide to determine ways to avoid widespread loss of communications in disasters like Superstorm Sandy.
FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski says the first hearings will be in the New York City area. It will focus on how to assure communications for first-responders, government emergency personnel and consumers.
The hearings will begin early next year and will include ways to keep cell phone towers operating after storm damage and power losses. One in four consumers in areas hit hard by Sandy lost service because of the storm.
On Sunday, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer of New York asked the FCC to work with telecommunications companies and first responders to maximize reliability and minimize costs.
Copyright 2012 Scripps Media, Inc. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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