Media Contact: 
Tina Pelkey, (202) 418-0536
tina.pelkey@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
CHAIRMAN PAI STATEMENT ON HURRICANE MARIA
WASHINGTON, September 21, 2017—Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai 
released the following statement regarding Hurricane Maria:
“Hurricane Maria has had a catastrophic impact on Puerto Rico’s communications networks.  For 
example, over 95% of Puerto Rico’s wireless cell sites are currently out of service. The FCC is 
proactively reaching out to communications providers in Puerto Rico to gather additional 
information about the situation on the ground and find out if there is anything that the 
Commission can do to assist with restoration efforts.  We are also working closely with the 
Federal Emergency Management Agency and providing all requested support.  Unfortunately, 
getting Puerto Rico’s communications networks up and running will be a challenging process, 
particularly given the power outages throughout the island.  But the FCC stands ready to do 
whatever we can to help with this task. My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Puerto 
Rico.”
For more information, please visit https://www.fcc.gov/maria.   
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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).