In
the event of a national security crisis or disaster, federal, state, local, and
territorial government and private sector communications are important.
National security and emergency preparedness communication systems include
landline, wireless, broadcast and cable television, radio, public safety
systems, satellite communications, and the Internet. For instance, federal
national security and emergency preparedness communications programs include
the Government Emergency Telecommunications Service, Wireless Priority Service,
and classified messaging related to the Continuity of Government Condition.
Reliable and secure telecommunications systems are necessary to effectively
manage national security incidents and emergencies.
On
July 6, 2012, President Barrack Obama issued Executive Order (EO) 13618 which
addresses the federal government’s need and responsibility to communicate
during national security and emergency situations and crises by assigning
federal national security and emergency preparedness communications functions.
EO 13618 is a continuation of older executive orders issued by other presidents
and is related to the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. §606).
This
executive order, however, changes federal national security and emergency
preparedness communications functions by dissolving the National Communications
System, establishing an executive committee to oversee federal national
security and emergency preparedness communications functions, establishing a
programs office within the Department of Homeland Security to assist the
executive committee, and assigning specific responsibilities to federal government
entities. This report provides a summary of EO 13618 provisions, and a brief discussion
of its salient points.
Source: US Congress Report 2012
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