NETWORK OUTAGE REPORTING SYSTEM (NORS)

Obtaining information on communications service disruptions is essential to the FCC's goal of ensuring the reliability and security of the nation's communications infrastructure. Accordingly, the FCC requires communications providers, including wireline, wireless, paging, cable, satellite and Signaling System 7 service providers, to electronically report information about significant disruptions or outages to their communications systems that meet specified thresholds set forth in Part 4 of the FCC's rules (47 C.F.R. Part 4). Communications providers must also report information regarding communications disruptions affecting Enhanced 9-1-1 facilities and airports that meet the thresholds set forth in Part 4 of the FCC's rules. Given the sensitive nature of this data to both national security and commercial competitiveness, the outage data is presumed to be confidential.

NORS is the web-based filing system through which communications providers covered by the Part 4 reporting rules submit reports to the FCC. This system uses an electronic template to promote ease of reporting and encryption technology to ensure the security of the information filed. The Communications Systems Analysis Division of the FCC's Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau administers NORS, monitors the outage reports submitted through NORS and performs analyses and studies of the communications disruptions reported.

FCC DOCUMENTS PERTAINING TO NETWORK OUTAGE REPORTING:

DISASTER INFORMATION REPORTING SYSTEM (DIRS)

DIRS is a voluntary, web-based system that communications companies, including wireless, wireline, broadcast, and cable providers, can use to report communications infrastructure status and situational awareness information during times of crisis.

The FCC encourages all communications providers to enroll in DIRS to be better prepared to respond and recover in the event of a disaster.

BENEFITS FOR COMMUNICATIONS PROVIDERS

Designate contact: Allows communications providers to identify the appropriate contact for his/her station during emergencies; and, in turn, eliminates lost time when trying to identify and coordinate with the federal contacts who can provide immediate assistance.
Receive help: Provides an avenue for communications providers to restore their operations and receive additional help during emergencies, e.g., securing generators, fuel, etc.
Streamline requests: Reduces the number of requests from various government agencies for status of each station. Other government agencies will rely on the FCC (DIRS) for status of each broadcast station.
Aid your community: Better ensures that communications providers will be able to serve their communities, providing them with critical updates and risk communications information from reliable and credible sources during emergencies.

In the event of a major disaster, the FCC and the Department of Homeland Security's National Communications System need to have accurate information regarding the status of communications services in the disaster area, particularly during restoration efforts.

When activated, DIRS will collect information concerning: