Media Contact: 
Tina Pelkey, 202-418-0536
tina.pelkey@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
CHAIRMAN PAI CONVENES MEETING TO DISCUSS 
COMBATTING CONTRABAND WIRELESS DEVICES 
IN CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES
WASHINGTON, February 7, 2018—Today, Chairman Ajit Pai convened a stakeholder 
meeting to address the serious threats posed by the use of contraband wireless devices in 
correctional facilities nationwide.  After the meeting, Chairman Pai released the following 
statement:
“The illegal use of wireless devices in prisons is a major threat to the safety and welfare of 
correctional facility employees, other inmates, and the public.  This must change, and fast.
“The FCC can’t meet this difficult challenge alone.  I’m grateful to our federal partners at the 
Justice Department and Commerce Department, state correction officials, solutions providers, 
wireless carriers, and public safety experts for their participation in this important discussion.
“Our goal in convening this meeting was to bring together a diverse group to determine the 
most effective, affordable, and safe ways to address this problem—that is, to stop the threat of 
contraband cellphones without causing harm to legitimate wireless users.  Today’s attendees 
showed a willingness to take active roles in helping us find a path forward.  I’m particularly 
pleased that the wireless industry committed to taking on a more meaningful role.  For 
instance, they’ve shown a willingness to work with government officials to test possible 
technological solutions and to participate in a task force that will continue today’s conversation 
with aggressive but achievable deadlines.  
“The bottom line is that we made some progress, but all of us have much more work to do.  I’m 
committed to actively working with all stakeholders going forward to combat this public safety 
threat.”
For more information on the FCC’s actions on this topic, please visit 
https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/contraband-wireless-devices, 
GN Docket No 13-11, or contact the ombudsman at combatcontrabanddevices@fcc.gov.     
###
Office of Media Relations: (202) 418-0500
ASL Videophone: (844) 432-2275
TTY: (888) 835-5322
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).