President Obama signed an executive order that directs the Defense and Homeland Security departments and other agencies to develop and oversee emergency communications for national security and preparedness.

The order established a new executive committee with members from Defense, DHS, Commerce, State, Federal Communications Commission, General Services Administration and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to evaluate ways to keep government communications operating during times of national crises.

Secretaries of DHS and DoD will be co-chairs.

The order also directs the secretary of DHS to establish a new center with industry.

DHS must “maintain a joint industry-Government center that is capable of assisting in the initiation, coordination, restoration, and reconstitution of NS/EP communications services or facilities under all conditions of emerging threats, crisis, or emergency,” the order states.

More information: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/07/06/executive-order-assignment-national-security-and-emergency-preparedness-