FCC pledges support for Haiti

“Haiti also can benefit from deployment of temporary communications in the country, including at refugee sites,” he continued. “Many companies have made significant offers of help, and urgent efforts are underway to coordinate and deliver assistance.”

The FCC’s International and Public Safety bureaus will support the government, private sector and nonprofit efforts to help restore the communications infrastructure, he said.

Last week, Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass) praised the telecom industry for pitching in with equipment donations and launching a massive fundraising effort via text message. Wednesday, he said, was the biggest day in history for charity generated over mobile phones.

Verizon Wireless, for example, on Friday wired $2.9 million in donations from customers to the Red Cross.