Introduction: The Communications/IT Sector in Puerto Rico -- Damage and Needs Assessment -- Methodology -- Resilient Public Telecommunications for Emergency Services and Continuity of Government -- Partnering with the Private Sector for a Robust Telecommunications Infrastructure and Broadband Internet Deployment -- Information Technology for Critical Infrastructure and for the Digital Transformation of Puerto Rico -- Portfolios, Funding, Implementation, and Concluding Remarks -- Appendix A. Illustration of the Methodology to Estimate the Costs of the Courses of Action for the Communications/IT Sector -- Appendix B. Examples of Implementation Efforts, Opportunities, and Challenges After Delivery of the Recovery Plan -- Appendix C. Full Description of the Courses of Action.
Summary:
After the devastating 2017 hurricane season, the U.S. Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center supported the congressionally mandated economic and disaster recovery plan, Transformation and Innovation in the Wake of Devastation: An Economic and Disaster Recovery Plan for Puerto Rico. This report contributes to the overall plan with a focus on the communications and information technology (IT) sector. Researchers provide an introduction to the sector (brief history, key assets, prestorm conditions and challenges, and governance); assess damage and needs of the sector; and present 33 courses of action (COAs) for the recovery, rebuilding, and enhancement of the sector with an emphasis on developing and sustaining a resilient, state-of-the-art communications network and furthering the vision for the digital transformation of Puerto Rico. Developed in consultation with a wide variety of stakeholders, including governmental entities, commercial providers, citizens, and municipalities, the COAs address many different (and sometimes competing) needs and also support and benefit COAs in other critical sectors, such as health and social services. The relationships among the communications and IT COAs are outlined. The estimated cost for these COAs is $3.2 billion. Potential sources of funding are also included in the report.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.