Legislation Introduced to Strengthen Wireless Networks to Withstand Wildfires and Disasters
Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA) and Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA) introduced the Wireless Infrastructure Resiliency during Emergencies and Disasters (WIRED) Act, legislation to allow states to require wireless companies to deploy resilient infrastructure in order for cellphone networks to better withstand disasters.
Currently, states do not have the explicit authority to require companies to deploy wireless infrastructure resilient to natural disasters. The legislation clarifies that states have this authority when setting “terms and conditions” for companies operating in any state in order to best prepare for geographically specific disasters.