Wireless and Homeland Security
April 2006
On behalf of the wireless industry, CTIA-The Wireless Association® works with an array of government agencies, consortiums and other stakeholders striving to bolster Homeland Security. The wireless industry plays a key role in several homeland security initiatives, including those listed below.
Emergency Alerts
The industry’s largest carriers have teamed with FEMA and the Association of Public Television Stations to trial a new technology that will be able to deliver emergency alerts to a limited number of subscribers over existing messaging systems. CTIA has been working with policy makers to evaluate the feasibility of adding new functionalities to alert broader groups with disaster information.
Wireless Priority Service (WPS)
During disasters, all communications networks become congested and emergency personnel need to communicate with each other. WPS ensures key personnel are given access to wireless networks ahead of other users so key personnel can place and receive calls. The National Communications System (NCS) at the Department of Homeland Security has moved rapidly to facilitate deployment of this capability throughout the Cingular, T-Mobile, and Nextel networks. CTIA has strongly advocated full funding for developing and deploying these capabilities on all wireless networks.
Response to National Emergency
During national emergencies, the NCS acts as the central hub for coordinating the work between federal agencies and service providers as carriers assess network functionality and work to restore service. CTIA works with NCS to identify resources and needs during large-scale disasters. More >
Information Sharing/Telecom ISAC
The Homeland Security Presidential Directive – 7 charges the Secretary of DHS to lead, integrate, and coordinate efforts between the public and private sector to protect critical infrastructure and key resources. CTIA and its member companies are active in the NCC/Telecomm ISAC.
Outage Reporting
The wireless industry has been working through the NRIC to share best practices that reduce the likelihood of outages, reduce the impact of disasters and attacks, and speed recovery after. The industry consistently has advocated that the FCC carefully safeguard the detailed information collected from carriers regarding service outages.
Wireless 9-1-1 and Distress Calls
Hundreds of thousands of wireless
9-1-1 calls are made each day. Learn how many people are using their wireless device in cases of emergency.
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