​​​​​​NRECA Broadband submitted comments to the FCC on its Disaster Information Reporting System, urging the agency to allow electric co-ops to focus on power first during emergency outages.

During disasters, co-ops are laser-focused on restoring power. Daily broadband outage reports shouldn't pull resources away from that mission. Currently, failing to submit required DIRS reports can trigger daily fines of up to $500, larger FCC forfeitures for repeated violations and other enforcement action.

NRECA Broadband recommends that the FCC:

• Streamline the system. NRECA backs FCC plans to simplify reporting requirements.
• Pause reporting during power restoration. Co-ops should be exempt from daily DIRS filings until electric service is restored.
• Retain satellite DIRS requirements. Satellite voice services should remain subject to DIRS in case future disasters impact them.

​Broadband is critical—but electricity comes first. NRECA wants FCC rules to reflect that reality.

​