Media Contact: Tina Pelkey, (202) 418-0536 tina.pelkey@fcc.gov For Immediate Release CHAIRMAN PAI ISSUES UPDATE ON TROPICAL STORM IRMA WASHINGTON, September 11, 2017— Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai released the following statement regarding Tropical Storm Irma: “Over the last five days, the Federal Communications Commission has been working in close coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and other federal and state partners to monitor the status of communications networks in the areas affected by Irma. “The FCC has activated the Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS) for Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, and Florida. To date, significant outages have been reported in those areas. And today, we are adding parts of Georgia and Alabama to DIRS as well. “In addition, the FCC deployed field staff to conduct surveys of the radio frequency environment before Irma’s landfall. When it is safe to proceed, the teams will re-sample the impacted areas to help determine the status of public safety land mobile radio and commercial broadcast services in the hardest hit regions. “The FCC has also provided regulatory relief to help keep those impacted by the storm connected. For example, in order to help prevent low-income customers from losing communications service during the recovery from the storm, the FCC has temporarily waived certain Lifeline rules. The FCC has also temporarily waived certain numbering rules to make sure that customers in affected areas can still have access to telecommunications services. We have also granted special authority to public safety officials so that they can access the spectrum they need for relief and restoration efforts.” “As we saw in the wake of Harvey, the worst of tragedies can also bring out the best in people. I’d like to recognize the first responders and everyday citizens who have heroically stepped up to the plate during Irma to help their fellow Americans. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with those affected by this devastating storm. The FCC is committed to doing its part to help with relief and restoration efforts so that everyone affected can get back on their feet as quickly as possible.” For more information on FCC activities related to Irma, please visit https://www.fcc.gov/irma. ### Office of Media Relations: (202) 418-0500 ASL Videophone: 1-844-432-2275 Twitter: @FCC www.fcc.gov/office-media-relations 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. Cir. 1974).