FCC Chairman pledges support to carriers

After touring ground zero in New York City, Federal Communications Chairman Michael Powell thanked workers for their non-stop efforts in restoring telephone service to the affected area and pledged his support for the duration of the effort. He singled out Verizon Communications, whose facilities sustained the largest share of the damage, calling the company's efforts "Herculean."

"All those involved in the arduous and trying task of maintaining the system deserve our praise and gratitude for their dedication," Powell said in a statement.

As part of the effort, Verizon allowed customers to make free calls from payphones in the affected area and adjusted each phone---about 400 total---so that they could also receive calls. In addition, Verizon installed 220 wireless payphones, beginning the day after the tragedy occurred. To date, customers have made nearly 1 million free calls from the wireline and wireless payphones, or about 80,000 calls each day.

"These phones are a lifeline," said William Freeman, president of Verizon Public Communications, in a statement.