On March 23, 2020, the Quebec government made available a list of services considered “essential” during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Data centers are listed under “maintenance and operations of strategic infrastructures”. How essential are their operations?
First of all, the CRTC has not yet declared telecommunications an essential service. That said, the CRTC did declare in 2016 that high-speed Internet should be considered an essential service for all Canadians. We see this as an attempt and an interest to tie current technological realities to a notion of “essential services”, with or without a pandemic.
What about other regions of the world?
The United States has conferred essential character on data centers due to their critical infrastructure for the country, while requiring them to continue operations. Similarly, the City of San Francisco reiterated this essential character in its quarantine directive imposed on the entire municipality on March 16, 2020. For its part, the UK has issued a guide to its population outlining the services that must be provided during the COVID-19 period. Data centers, like telecommunications companies, are asked to continue their operations.
A leading role
Data centers, like telecommunications companies, need to ensure the continuity of their networks during periods of heavy traffic. The vast majority of Quebecers now telecommute. Similarly, online medical consultations are on the increase, as are online grocery ordering and shopping.
The day-to-day operations of data centers, and their availability to their customers, are therefore essential to the survival of the digital infrastructure that supports every aspect of our lives. Data center operators will need to redouble their efforts to ensure optimal maintenance of their facilities, so that they can support their customers.
What measures do operators need to put in place at this particular time?
First and foremost, it goes without saying that operators must ensure compliance with the hygiene measures required by the authorities, and implement a policy of social distancing for people who have to report to the premises. Operators should also invite their customers to keep visits to the data center to a minimum. A communiqué should be issued to the effect that only visits and maintenance essential to the smooth running of the networks should be authorized.
Finally, all non-urgent interventions related to service updates must be suspended. These interventions often require several operators and the receipt of goods.
This period of global uncertainty will have the effect of reiterating and confirming the importance of data centers and telecoms providers in our lives. Both personally and professionally.
