I am writing to you regarding the FCC's current efforts to reform the universal service (USF)
program and intercarrier compensation system (ICC). I support making these programs more
accountable and encourage the FCC to develop a smooth and predictable transition toward reform.
Dear Chairman Genachowski:
The Honorable Julius Genachowski,
Chairman
Federal Communications Commission
445 12
th
Street, SW
Washington, D.C. 20554
COLUMBUS
18 NINTH STREET, SUITE 201
COLUMBUS, GA 31901
PHONE: (706) 32Q-.-9477
FAX: (706) 320-9479
DISTRICT OfFICES:
ALBANY
235 ROOSEVELT AVENUE
ALBANY TOWERS, SUITE 114
ALBANY, GA 31701
PHONE: (229} 439-8067
FAX: (229)436~2099
THOMASVILLE
325 EAST JACKSON STREET
SUITE A
THOMASVILLE, GA 31792
~
P'ON" (22'1 226-778.
FAX: (229) 226-7860
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April 5, 20 II
SUBCOMMITIEES;
RANKING MEMBER
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION/VA
AGRICULTURE
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH
WASHINGTON OFFICE,
2429 RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
WASHINGTON, DC 20515-1002
PHONE: (202) 225-3631
FAX: (202) 225-2203
COMMITTEE ON ApPROPRIATIONS
SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.
SECOND DISTRICT, GEORGIA
The USF and ICC are extremely important mechanisms for increasing broadband access for rural
Georgians. The country has made significant progress in linking small communities, such as those in
southwest Georgia, with our urban centers and global markets through communications. These
investments have been made through loans, loan guarantees, grants, and significant private sector
support to build infrastructure in sparsely populated and remote areas which would not otherwise be
served.
As part ofongoing reform efforts, the FCC is reviewing a number ofnew and reformed program
restraints, benchmarks, and formulas intended to make universal service more efficient. The FCC
also is implementing a new intercarrier compensation system. The FCC should execute these reforms
in a way that manages the providers' transition.
I would welcome your response to a few briefquestions. In particular, could you describe how the
FCC will specifically account for the impact any changes to USF and ICC may have on service
providers who are also RUS borrowers? Will the FCC conduct a thorough analysis ofUSF and ICC
changes and the potential impact ofthose changes on RUS borrowers' ability to repay loans?
Furthermore, will you conduct such an analysis before making any changes to USF and ICC rules?
I would be grateful for your timely response to these questions. I look forward to working with you
to ensure that the investments our nation makes in telecommunications infrastructure will connect
rural America and grow our economy for the future.
With warmest regards, I remain
Sincerely yours,
sill~p.(?4
Member ofCongress .
bishop.email@mail.house.90v • www.house.gov/bishop
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