Critical infrastructure keeps communities connected, businesses operating, and essential services running. The importance of these systems became especially clear during the COVID-19 pandemic. While many businesses transitioned to remote work or temporarily closed their doors, critical infrastructure industries continued operating.
Utilities and information and communications technology were among the sectors that played an essential role. They powered homes and businesses, maintained communications, and supported the rapid transition to remote work and virtual learning.
The pandemic offered a unique look at just how much society depends on these industries. However, their importance extends far beyond that period. Understanding critical infrastructure helps explain why reliable utility and telecommunications networks remain essential today.
What Is Critical Infrastructure?
Critical infrastructure is a term used to describe assets, systems, and networks essential to society, the economy, public health, and safety.
During the pandemic, CISA issued guidance identifying workers who supported essential operations and services. The agency worked with government and private-sector partners to identify Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers. This guidance helped decision-makers maintain essential functions despite COVID-19 restrictions (CISA 2020). Workers throughout these industries helped keep critical systems and assets operating.
CISA identifies 16 critical infrastructure sectors. Utilities and telecommunications support several of these essential functions. Together, these industries connect communities, power essential services, and help keep the economy moving.
Utilities and Essential Infrastructure
Utilities create and maintain the infrastructure needed to provide electricity, gas, water, and other essential services. These systems support homes, businesses, healthcare facilities, government agencies, and communications networks.
During the pandemic, CISA Director Christopher Krebs emphasized the role of critical infrastructure workers in keeping essential services available to the public. “Many of the men and women who work across our nation’s critical infrastructure industries are hard at work keeping the lights on, water flowing from the tap, groceries on the shelves, among other countless essential services.”
The utility industry continues to play a vital role in maintaining safe, reliable infrastructure. Electricity also powers many of the technologies and communications systems we depend on every day. As a result, utility infrastructure and telecommunications are increasingly interconnected.
Information and Communications Technology
The ICT sector supported the rapid transition to remote work and virtual learning during the pandemic. As telecommunications companies responded to COVID-19, reliable connectivity helped businesses continue operating from a distance.
At the same time, daily life became increasingly digital. People depended on communications networks for work, education, healthcare, entertainment, news, and connections with friends and family. Demand for fast, reliable internet and voice services grew dramatically. Telecommunications providers responded in several ways, as highlighted in this overview of the industry’s response to COVID-19:
- The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced the Keep Americans Connected Initiative.
- High-speed connectivity, video conferencing, and telehealth supported first responders, healthcare providers, and government agencies.
- Increased network capacity helped support remote work and virtual learning.
- Providers opened free Wi-Fi hotspots to communities and small businesses.
- Some providers waived late fees for customers.
- Cloud computing supported on-demand access to applications, data, and computing services.
- AT&T donated $10 million to support online learning.
- Verizon donated more than $50 million to COVID-19 relief efforts.
These actions reflected an extraordinary moment in time. However, they also demonstrated how deeply modern communities depend on communications infrastructure.
The Future of Critical Infrastructure
Critical infrastructure industries were essential long before the pandemic. COVID-19 simply brought their importance into sharper focus. Utilities and information and communications technology continue to support the services people depend on every day. At the same time, new technologies are creating opportunities to modernize these networks.
The FCC has also expanded communications capabilities for utilities. For example, the agency made six megahertz of low-band spectrum available for the development of critical wireless broadband technologies and services. This spectrum can help electric utilities develop communications networks that support evolving operational needs.
From surviving to thriving, the futures of the utility and telecom sectors remain positive. Demand for critical infrastructure remains strong, and forecasts of the future look promising.
