ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - A government official says the Federal Communications Commission is expected to announce it will pursue a proposal to require backup power at cell towers to avoid a massive service loss like the one Superstorm Sandy wrought.
The official familiar with the effort tells The Associated Press that the FCC is expected Wednesday to announce hearings with first responders and people along the Eastern Seaboard where cellphone service in some places was lost for days. The official but spoke on the condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to comment before the announcement.
On Sunday, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer of New York asked the FCC to work with telecommunications companies and first responders to maximize reliability and minimize costs.
In some places, nearly one in four customers lost cellphone service because of Sandy.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Friday, May 24 2013 4:02 PM EDT2013-05-24 20:02:22 GMT
WCS photo
Coney Island's famed New York Aquarium, devastated by Superstorm Sandy, will partially reopen Saturday, May 25, 2013. The Wildlife Conservation Society on Friday showed members of the media parts of
Coney Island's famed New York Aquarium, devastated by Superstorm Sandy, will partially reopen Saturday, May 25, 2013. The Wildlife Conservation Society on Friday showed members of the media parts of
Friday, May 24 2013 11:12 AM EDT2013-05-24 15:12:21 GMT
AP photo
President Barack Obama plans to give the Jersey Shore a boost with a post-Memorial Day visit to showcase recovery efforts in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.
President Barack Obama plans to give the Jersey Shore a boost with a post-Memorial Day visit to showcase recovery efforts in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:55 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:55:01 GMT
Jersey shore town is celebrating a milestone as it rebuilds from Superstorm Sandy. Belmar officials will reopen their 1.3-mile boardwalk that was destroyed by the October storm.
Jersey shore town is celebrating a milestone as it rebuilds from Superstorm Sandy. Belmar officials will reopen their 1.3-mile boardwalk that was destroyed by the October storm.
Monday, May 20 2013 7:05 PM EDT2013-05-20 23:05:15 GMT
A private country club opened its golf course to the public for a charity tournament to raise money for Superstorm Sandy relief. The Westlake Golf and Country Club in Jackson hosted the event on May 13,
A private country club opened its golf course to the public for a charity tournament to raise money for Superstorm Sandy relief. The Westlake Golf and Country Club in Jackson hosted the event on May 13,
