The Federal Communications Commission customarily receives information about emergency and commercial communications networks directly from communications providers – either as required by Commission rule or by request. Both methods require us to follow specific processes to update information models, posing a challenge for keeping up with the pace of change in network technology. Therefore, the Commission’s information about communications services, including critical emergency services, tends to look at yesterday’s technology using near-static information systems. We are interested in uncovering new sources of data, new ways to analyze existing sources of data, and new ways to analyze new sources of data. Examples include:

• Analysis of Real-Time Emergency Alerting Information

• Analysis of 911 Location Determination Technologies

• Analysis of Disruptions to Communications During Disasters

• Analysis of Disruptions to Communications During Sunny Days

Working with the Bureau’s Associate Bureau Chief and Chief Data Officer, the intern will complete a specific project to be defined. In general, however, the project will supplement existing carrier-provided data collections with open systems as well as develop algorithmic subscription services to better mine existing sources of information to create policy insights.

Additional Information

Internships are offered on a year-round basis.  Consideration may be given to students supported by fellowship, stipend funding, or those receiving credit from the educational institution.  Available intern positions are located at the FCC headquarters in Washington DC or in remote locations around the US.

For additional information, please contact Jeffery Goldthorp at jeffery.goldthorp@fcc.gov