• July 10, 2024

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Hurricane Beryl roared through the Houston area in early July as a powerful Category 1 hurricane, pummeling the region with wind gusts over 90 mph, torrential rain, and a 3-6 foot storm surge. After Beryl finally made its way east, it left approximately 2.7 million utility customers without power. On July 8, the Federal Communications Commission announced the activation of the Mandatory Disaster Response Initiative (MDRI) for communications impacts from Hurricane Beryl.

The following counties of interest will receive relief help from this MDRI activation:

In general, the Mandatory Disaster Response Initiative requires wireless providers to:

1. Provide roaming to one another when a network is down, where technically feasible;
2. Establish mutual aid agreements to share physical assets and to consult with one another before and during emergencies;
3. Enhance municipal preparedness;
4. Increase consumer readiness; and
5. Improve public awareness and stakeholder communications regarding restoration times.

Facilities-based mobile wireless providers will be obligated to test their roaming capabilities under these mandatory agreements and provide reports to the FCC on the timing, duration, and effectiveness of their activities performed under the rules when

“Houstonians need to know we’re working around the clock so you will be safe,” said Houston Mayor John Whitmire at a media brief

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Sources:

docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-24-662A1.pdf

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