The Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB) of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking comments on the threats to the nation’s communications systems directly attributable to severe geomagnetic storms.
The FCC’s request for comments follows the severe geomagnetic storm that affected the northern hemisphere in early May. The storm, which reached extreme (G5) conditions for the first time in more than 20 years, reportedly created significant disturbances in the propagation of HF radio signals, disrupting voice and data communications.
The FCC’s request is an effort to obtain more detailed information from communications service providers and the public about specific instances in the disruption of communications services that took place between May 7 and 11 as a result of the geomagnetic storm. The additional information will help the FCC to determine what further actions, if any, are needed to provide more robust protection of essential communications services.
Read the FCC’s Public Notice seeking comments on the impact of geomagnetic storms on communications.
