Comment from Markley Group LLC

I strongly support the FAA’s proposed rule to restrict unauthorized unmanned aircraft operations in close proximity to designated fixed-site facilities. Markley Group LLC operates critical data center infrastructure serving the Greater Boston area and the broader New England region, including its flagship facility at One Summer Street in Boston. These facilities provide essential connectivity and technology services that support government agencies, public safety organizations, healthcare providers, financial institutions, telecommunications carriers, cloud service providers, and numerous commercial enterprises. The secure and continuous operation of these facilities is vital to regional economic stability, public safety, and the delivery of critical services. In recent years, critical infrastructure operators have experienced a growing number of security concerns involving unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Drones can be used to conduct unauthorized surveillance, gather intelligence, perform reconnaissance, disrupt security operations, or facilitate other malicious activities. While many drone operators act responsibly and lawfully, the increased availability, affordability, and technical capabilities of these systems create evolving security risks for facilities whose disruption could have significant consequences. Restricting unauthorized drone operations near designated critical infrastructure facilities would provide important security benefits by: Enhancing the safety of employees, contractors, tenants, and visitors. Reducing opportunities for hostile surveillance and pre-operational reconnaissance. Strengthening the protection of communications, network, and information technology infrastructure that supports millions of individuals and organizations. Assisting law enforcement and security professionals in safeguarding facilities that are essential to national security, public safety, and economic resilience. I encourage the FAA to finalize this rule and ensure that eligible data centers and telecommunications facilities are included among the designated fixed-site facilities protected by these restrictions. Disruption of these facilities could significantly impact emergency communications, government operations, healthcare delivery, financial services, public safety systems, and the broader economy. Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments in support of this important rulemaking. As the Director of Physical Security for a critical data center operator, I have observed a significant increase in drone-related security concerns and related protective measures across the industry. Based on this experience, I believe this rule represents a necessary and prudent step toward protecting infrastructure that millions of people rely upon every day. Respectfully, Dan Colletti Director of Physical Security Markley Group LLC