Executive Summary
SCTE has partnered with the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on their high frequency (HF) radio network program– SHAred RESources or SHARES for short. The program administered by DHS’s National Coordinating Center for Communications (NCC), provides a means for users with a national security, essential service and emergency preparedness mission to communicate when landline, satellite, public safety and cellular communications are unavailable. This document’s purpose is to provide an easy to follow guide to help cable industry staff understand the requirements for participating in SHARES.
Scope
This document and the SHARES Network is meant to serve as a reliable last mode of communication during extreme incidences or high risk events. Risks include but are not limited to extreme weather such as hurricane, tsunami or blizzards; extended grid power outages, man-made incidents such as cyber-attacks or times where multiple incidents are happening at the same time resulting in traditional communications outages.
Benefits
Failure to prepare for communications outage can result in extended restore periods. This document will highlight operational practices necessary to prepare for the use of HF radio when attempting to restore traditional modes of communications. By joining the SHARES program through partnership with SCTE licensed HF station members will gain access to a deep directory of contacts that includes DHS, FEMA, National Guard and other key restoration agencies. This directory can prove to be an invaluable resource when attempting to restore services and gain access to fuel, security and restoration zone access in time of need. Finally, by participating in SHARES and becoming familiar with this document, the cable industry will become better prepared for disasters threatening the essential services the millions of customers depend on every day for business, security, entertainment and communications.
Intended Audience
Cable operator business continuity mangers, regional directors, government relations, supply chain mangers, security, and network operational center professionals will benefit from reviewing this document.