STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER JESSICA ROSENWORCEL Re: Utilizing Rapidly Deployable Aerial Communications Architecture in Response to an Emergency, PS Docket No. 11-15 This Notice of Inquiry is my first vote at a Commission meeting. I thank the Chairman for placing it on the agenda today, and for bringing these issues to our attention. This item demonstrates what the Commission can do at its best: provide vision that brings together the communications industry and the government to find creative ways to serve the public. With this inquiry, we are exploring how to use advanced technologies to improve communications and access to information during a disaster. While our terrestrial networks are built to withstand a lot of abuse, we must make sure that emergency management officials, first responders, and personnel from the critical infrastructure industry always have the tools they need to communicate. This is especially true in those early hours after a disaster, when every second counts. Deployable Aerial Communications Architecture may be one solution. When the power has been knocked out, bridges have been washed away, or other unthinkable events have come to pass, this technology may help keep us connected. The Commission already has taken its first steps on this subject with its white paper and workshop. But much more needs to be done to ready this technology for prime time. Coordination is key, in light of other government uses of the national airspace system, including, but not limited to, those addressed in the Federal Aviation Administration Modernization Act. Practical issues need attention. And addressing the potential for interference to existing networks is essential. After all, in our zeal to provide reliable communications in disaster, we cannot inadvertently impede restoration efforts of traditional networks. I look forward to reviewing the record as it develops.