NEWS
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, S.W.
Washington, D. C.  20554
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.
See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).
News Media Information 202 / 418-0500
Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
TTY: 1-888-835-5322
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
January 17, 2010 Jen Howard 202-418-0506
Email: Jen Howard@fcc.gov
FCC CHAIRMAN JULIUS GENACHOWSKI STATEMENT ON HAITIAN 
ASSISTANCE EFFORTS
"Yesterday, the FCC was pleased to hear from our counterpart in Haiti, Mr. Montàigne 
Marcelin, the Director General of Conatel, for the first time since our initial outreach soon after 
the earthquake. Though he survived, two of his staff did not, several are injured, and the agency's 
buildings are destroyed. We stand ready to assist Mr. Marcelin and his agency in any way that 
we can."
"Every aspect of life in Haiti has been terribly affected by the devastating earthquake, and 
the communications sector is no exception. The immediate issues of concern are continuity of 
service by existing telecommunications companies, which are providing essential 
communications for Haitians and the disaster relief efforts, and their ongoing operational 
challenges such as access to fuel and security."
"Haiti also can benefit from deployment of temporary communications in the country, 
including at refugee sites. Many companies have made significant offers of help, and urgent 
efforts are underway to coordinate and deliver assistance. The FCC, under the guidance of 
International Bureau Chief Mindel De La Torre and Public Safety and Homeland Security 
Bureau Chief Admiral Jamie Barnett, will continue to support government, private sector, and 
nonprofit efforts to help Haiti and their critical communications infrastructure needs."
--FCC--