Here’s your chance to test out the new system
The Federal Communications Commission’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau will conduct a voluntary exercise of the Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS) next month, June 10–12.
The FCC typically activates DIRS to collect operational status and restoration information from communications providers during major disasters and subsequent recovery efforts. The web-based system — which recently changed platforms at the end of 2023 — is used by broadcast, wireless, wireline, cable, interconnected VoIP and broadband service providers.
“Communications providers can use DIRS to quickly and efficiently report the operational status of their service and infrastructure to the FCC, as well as to request assistance,” the commission said in a press release. “The exercise will help ensure that communications providers, including broadcast, wireless, satellite, broadband and wireline providers, can access and file reports in the DIRS system, train new employees to become familiar with the DIRS reporting process and update DIRS contact information.”
Earlier this year, the commission voted to mandate expanded participation in DIRS for wireless, cable and internet companies, and is still considering adopting a similar requirement for radio and television broadcasters. However, a proposed mandate enforcing DIRS reporting during emergencies appears unpopular among broadcasters.
