STATEMENT OF 
COMMISSIONER AJIT PAI
Re: In the Matter of Implementation of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 
2012 Establishment of a Public Safety Answering Point Do-Not-Call Registry, CG Docket No. 
12-129
This is the first item presented by the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau 
(CGB) that I have had the privilege of voting at an open meeting.  So I wanted to start by 
recognizing the critical work that is done by the Bureau and by thanking CGB staff for all of their 
efforts.
It goes without saying that all of the Commission’s policies and programs should benefit 
American consumers.  By interacting with our most important customers, the Bureau helps us 
stay true to that mission.  Bureau staff educate consumers on a wide range of issues.  They 
receive and resolve consumer complaints.  They work tirelessly on making communications 
services accessible to Americans with disabilities.  They coordinate with our partners in state, 
local, and tribal governments.  And they do much, much more.  Indeed, most of the American 
people’s direct contact with the Commission comes through CGB, and CGB is proactive and 
positive in carrying out its responsibilities.
In all of its work, the Bureau is ably led by Kris Monteith.  I had the privilege of working 
with Kris when she was Chief of the Enforcement Bureau.  I saw firsthand the care, skill, and 
dedication she brought to that job.  So it comes as no surprise to see that CGB is thriving under 
her leadership.
Turning to the specific matter before us, I am pleased to support this item.  When 
Americans call 911, it is vital that they reach emergency personnel quickly.  Indeed, it is often a 
matter of life and death.  Public safety lines therefore can’t be tied up with non-emergency calls, 
and those who staff Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) can’t be diverted by such calls.  
“Call Me Maybe” may work for a catchy summer song, but for a PSAP, it just doesn’t cut it.
Congress sought to address this problem by requiring the FCC to establish a Do-Not-Call 
registry for telephone numbers used by PSAPs and to prohibit the use of automatic dialing 
equipment to contact registered numbers.  Today’s item implements this statutory mandate in a 
sensible manner.  It provides effective protection for public safety while at the same time 
minimizing the compliance burdens on those who operate automatic dialing equipment.
I am pleased that the Commission has acted swiftly to adopt this item.  We released our 
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking less than five months ago and are issuing rules less than eight 
months after enactment of the statute.  Given this track record, I am confident that CGB will soon 
issue a Public Notice providing specific operational details related to the PSAP Do-Not-Call 
Registry.
Finally, I would like to thank the Bureau staff who prepared today’s item.  Your excellent 
work makes us all proud.