FCC Sets February 20, 2025, Compliance Date for Mandatory DIRS Reporting Requirements

FCC Sets February 20, 2025, Compliance Date for Mandatory DIRS Reporting Requirements

The Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau has announced February 20, 2025, as the compliance deadline for new mandatory Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS) requirements. This change affects all cable communications, wireless, wireline, and interconnected VoIP providers, transforming what was previously a voluntary reporting system into a mandatory requirement.

Previously, DIRS reporting was voluntary, allowing providers to report network status and outage information during disasters at their discretion. The new requirements, adopted in the FCC’s January 2024 Resilient Networks Second Report and Order, establish a formal framework for disaster-related communications reporting.

Reporting Requirements

Under the new rules, providers must submit daily infrastructure status reports through DIRS when the system is activated in their service areas, even if there are no changes from the previous day’s report. Additionally, providers must file a final status report within 24 hours of DIRS deactivation detailing any remaining infrastructure issues. Importantly, Network Outage Reporting System (NORS) reporting obligations are waived while providers are reporting in DIRS.

New or Current DIRS users without an existing FCC Commission Registration System (CORES) account must create a CORES account before accessing DIRS. The username and password established in CORES are also used for DIRS. Detailed information on creating DIRS accounts and using the system can be found in the user’s guide, available at https://www.fcc.gov/sites/default/files/DIRS-UserGuide-122023.docx.

This mandatory reporting system requires providers to develop and maintain new operational procedures to ensure compliance during disaster situations. Providers should begin preparing now by reviewing their disaster reporting procedures and ensuring they have processes in place to gather and submit the required information within the specified timeframes. This may include designating staff responsible for monitoring DIRS activations and establishing internal protocols for collecting and reporting infrastructure status information.

JSI encourages clients to review their current disaster reporting procedures and implement any necessary changes before the February 20, 2025, effective date. Our team is available to assist with understanding these requirements and developing compliant reporting processes. For assistance or additional information, please contact Lans Chase.