Policy Council: Is there anything else you’d like to add on the topic of emergency preparedness?
Mr. Guttman-McCabe: I’d just like to reiterate how the wireless industry has learned many lessons in the wake of national emergencies such as 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina. As a result, companies in the wireless industry are continually assessing and refining their capabilities to respond to all types of emergencies. The reality is that no one knows when or where the next disaster might strike, and any area of the country could be challenged. We have to be prepared at all times—it’s an ongoing process that will never be completely finished. But, as we work together in partnership with Congress, the FCC, DHS, and our friends in the public safety community to pass legislation such as the WARN Act and DTV, we are taking active steps in the right direction toward interoperability and a national Emergency Alert System. CTIA believes that by focusing on the future, making necessary changes, and remaining flexible in the face of complicated situations, responses to future disasters can be faster and more efficient.
Policy Council: Earlier you mentioned the industry has initiated a two-part approach toward the development of EAS. We’ve discussed the short-term solution, so what do we have to look forward to in the long-run?
Mr. Guttman-McCabe: That’s a great question. In addition to our short-term approach utilizing SMS, CTIA and the wireless industry, in concert with government and other stakeholders, are working on a long-term solution that would be able to target geographic areas. As I mentioned before, a sensible emergency alerting policy must take into account both the massive investment in place today and the technological developments that propel the industry in the long run. We believe legislation such as the Warning, Alert, and Response Network (WARN) Act, currently being considered in Congress, will do just that. Developing a national emergency alerting policy should not be a one-time event. Going forward, there should be a continuing process for identifying the emergency alert environment and merging it with industry capabilities. The WARN Act provides a sensible framework and process that will help facilitate the transition from the short-term SMS solution to long-term geographic-based service. Additionally, it will establish an expert working group of government officials and industry experts that will logically take into consideration industry capabilities and evolution—ultimately leading to a more robust service.
