Definition[]
The National Communications System's Standard Operating Procedure 303 (SOP 303) (Emergency Wireless Protocols) describes a shutdown and restoration process for use by commercial and private wireless networks in the event of a national crisis.
Overview[]
This process was developed under President George Bush Jr's National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee, in coordination with representatives from the Federal Communications Commission, the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New York Department of Homeland Security and other government representatives, as well as private sector stakeholders.
Under SOP 303, the National Coordinating Center (NCC) is the focal point for coordinating actions leading up to and following the termination of wireless connections. A designated federal, state, or local law enforcement official or member of government will submit a request to the NCC, which will ask a series of questions of the requesting official to determine whether the shutdown is necessary. The NCC will then notify carriers in the affected area and coordinate the reestablishment of service as soon as possible once the shutdown is no longer required.