Rep. Eshoo Intros Wildfire Bill To Improve Wireless Reception

PALO ALTO, CA — U.S. Rep. Anna G. Eshoo, D-Palo Alto, introduced legislation that allows states to require wireless companies to deploy resilient infrastructure in order for cellphone networks to better withstand disasters.

If the Wireless Infrastructure Resiliency during Emergencies and Disasters (WIRED) Act passes and California signs on to use the authority, the law may require fiber cables be lined with fire-resistant casing as an example.

At this point, states do not have the explicit authority to demand this extra level of defense. Eshoo’s 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.

“Californians understand firsthand that reliable communications are especially essential during wildfires,” Eshoo said. “During many natural disasters, cell towers are destroyed, leaving individuals without the ability to call 911, receive alerts or evacuation orders, or download updated fire information."

The congresswoman received undaunted support from her colleague in the House and bill cosponsor, Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, who witnessed the devastation caused by multiple Wine Country fires that claimed lives and consumed neighborhoods in 2017.

“Wireless communications networks are one of our most important lines of defense during natural disasters, allowing first responders to communicate with our communities to keep us safe,” Thompson said.

Wireless communications play a pivotal role in emergency situations.

The Federal Communications Commission reported in 2018 that 81 percent of the 27 million 911 calls made in 2018 were on wireless devices. But according to the California Office of Emergency Services, 341 cell sites were offline during the October 2017 wildfires and 489 cell sites were offline during the Camp and Woolsey fires. The loss in reception prevented wireless users in those areas from being able to call 911, receive an emergency alert or use their cell phones to find the safest evacuation route.