The Federal Communication Commission is reviewing documents to see if there is reason to create rules for when emergency workers and law enforcement can disrupt cell phone communication and internet service to preserve public safety. As the FCC reviews current policies on disruption, Julius Genachowski, the F.C.C. chairman, made statements regarding conditions for a shutdown:

“Our democracy, our society and our safety all require communications networks that are available and open,”

“The F.C.C., as the agency with oversight of our communications networks, is committed to preserving their availability and openness, and to harnessing communications technologies to protect the public.”

Legal director for Public Knowledge, Harold Feld made these statements about the review:

“The same wireless network that police see as a tool for rioters to coordinate is the same wireless network used by peaceful protesters to exercise our fundamental freedoms,”

“In any event, the network will be necessary for people in the area to call for help or to let family members know they are not harmed.”

Currently about 70% of all emergency 911 calls come from cellular telephones, so there would need to be a method where communication could be disrupted, but not interfere with service to emergency networks. I doubt this is possible.

From what I can understand, there doesn’t appear to be a legitimate reason to disrupt services. If there initial report doesn’t find that disruption causes more harm than good, it’s probably because they haven’t look at it logically. Which is bound to happen. Thanks again for spending valuable funds examining what for most would be a common sense issue.

Regardless, the F.C.C. reviews current policies on disruption. We’ll look forward to some complex new legislation that will be enforced at the worst possible moment putting thousands of peoples lives in danger. We’ll keep you updated on what they find, if anything.