Houston, TX - Congressman Gene Green (D-Houston), today received notice from the Federal Communications Commission stating that the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) and Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau (CGB) have taken steps to ensure that wireless service providers do not improperly disconnect consumers displaced by Hurricane Katrina because they are unable to pay their bills.

“I’d like to thank the FCC for the work they have done,” said Congressman Gene Green.  “They have made a great contribution to the people that have been affected by Hurricane Katrina.  This is a time of unselfishness and a time when we try to do the best we can to help those in need and the FCC along with the WTB and CGB have answered that call.  Wireless telephones are often the only way loved ones can find evacuees.”

On Tuesday, September 6, 2005, Congressman Gene Green authored a letter to CTIA president Steve Largent and the FCC, which was signed by members of the Houston delegation from both sides of the aisle, asking for a grace period extension for disaster area wireless phone customers.

Wireless customers from the disaster areas now in the Astrodome and George R. Brown Convention Center had reported disconnection from their wireless phones.

“We know that the wireless industry has been impacted by this disaster and is taking action in the relief effort,” continued Congressman Gene Green.  “This is why we asked FCC and CTIA to encourage all member companies to take all necessary steps to extend grace periods to the accounts of the people that have been so greatly affected by Hurricane Katrina.”

“Hurricane Katrina displaced hundreds of thousands of residents of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, and many thousands of these customers rely on their wireless service during this difficult time to remain in touch with loved ones,” said FCC spokesman.  “Based on the representations of a number of wireless carriers serving consumers displaced by the hurricane, WTB and CGB understand that the common practice in the wireless industry at this time is to continue providing service to displaced people who cannot pay their bills in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.”

“I appreciate the commitment by the wireless industry,” concluded Congressman Gene Green. “I also appreciate the efforts of the FCC to  ensure that they honor their commitment.”

The WTB and CGB, have required all licensees of wireless services serving consumers affected by the hurricane to submit a report no later than Thursday, September 8, 2005 verifying their compliance with the standard industry practice of maintaining service to people displaced by Hurricane Katrina despite failure to pay bills.