The Honorable Julius Genachowski
Chainnan, Federal Communications Commission
445 12
th
Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20554
JOHN T. SALAZAR
3RD DISTRICT OF COLORADO
326 CANNON HOUSE OFHCE BUILDING
WASHINGTON, DC 20515
202-225-4761
202-226-9669 (FAX)
Qtongrtss of tltt lItnittb &tatts
]!fouse of fRtpresenlaliues
mlls4fngtnn.1K!t 2U515
June 7, 2010
COMMrITEE ON ApPROPRIATIONS
Dear Chainnan Genachowski,
I write to you to inquire about the status of the recent agreement by AT&T to purchase certain
wireless systems that Verizon Wireless is required to divest in certain rural areas in connection
with its ALLTEL acquisition. As I understand it, the FCC has been considering this transaction
for over one year now.
Once this process is given final approval by the FCC, AT&T will be able to invest $400 million to
build out its network in connection with this transaction. The majority ofthis investment will take
place in rural areas, where access to broadband and other advanced telecommunications
technologies has lagged. This substantial investment is expected to create jobs and stimulate the
economy, which is especially important in difficult economic times like these.
This transaction will also bring much needed broadband service to many new areas. Consumers
will benefit from having AT&T as an option when shopping for wireless services and devices. At
least 18 states and 1.5 million customers mostly in rural communities stand to be impacted by this
purchase. The majority of these are located in areas where AT&T currently has little or no
presence. In my home state of Colorado at least 30 counties would be impacted with more
consumer benefits and choices.
I also understand that the transaction does not pose any threat to competition. The Department of
Justice's Antitrust Division has reviewed the approved transaction. The benefits ofthis transaction
are clear - job creation, investment, an improved telecommunications infrastructure for rural
America, increased competition and more choices for consumers.
134 WEST B STREET
PuEBLO, CO 81003
719-543-8200
719-543-8204 (FAX)
225 NORTH 5TH STREET, STE 702
GRAND JUNCTION, CO 81501
970-245-7107
970-245-2194 (FAX)
609 MAIN STREET, #6
ALAMOSA, CO 81101
719-587-5105
719-587-5137 (FAX)
~
813 MAIN AVENUE, STE ii
DURANGO, CO 813011
970-259-1012 l:)
970-259-9467 (FAX)~
o
Of course, I ask that you consider such action consistent with applicable law and regulations.
Should you have any questions, please contact my staff member Alfonso Lopez at
alfonso.lopez@mail.house.govor202-225-4761. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
i~!j~
Member ofCongress
cc: The Honorable Michael Copps
The Honorable Robert McDowell
The Honorable Mignon Clyburn
The Honorable Meredith Attwell Baker