FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
September 12, 20 I I
JULIUS GENACHOWSKI
CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Dean Heller
United States Senatc
4 Russell Courtyard
Washington, D.C. 205 I0
Dear Senator Ileller:
This responds to your correspondence ofJuly 12 and July 27, 20 II.
The FCC has been undcrtaking the kind of regulatory reform called for in the recent
Executivc Ordcrs since I arrived at the FCC. One of my first acts as Chairman was to create a
Reform Task Force charged with idcntifying and eliminating outdated rules and other unjustified
burdens on industry or the public, as well as identifying other steps to improve how the FCC
functions. The results have been strong. We have eliminated more than 50 unneeded regulations
and we are working toward eliminating 25 unnecessary data collections. I am committed to
improving FCC processes and decisions in a manner that supports innovation, economic growth,
and America's global compctitivcness.
To ensure that FCC rules effectively and cfficiently advance the Agency's statutory
mission, I have also directed FCC staff to perform their responsibilities consistent with the
Executive Orders on prospective and retrospective regulatory impact analysis. It is common
practice for FCC rulemaking decisions to analyze the costs and benefits of proposed regulations.
During my tenure, I have brought particular focus to this process, including by directing the early
involvement ofour Chief Economist in the analytical proccss ofrulemakings. The involvcmcnt
ofthe Agency's economists in the carly stages of rulemakings has helped bring additional rigor
to the FCC's analytical process.
The Commission's Opcn Intcrnet Order followcd cnforcement ofopen Internct principles
by a bipartisan Commission hcadcd by Republican Chairman Kevin Martin. The Commission's
Open Internet Order contains the type of markct analysis and cost-bencfit analysis contemplated
in the Executive Orders. This market analysis was an intcgral part ofthe Commission's efforts
to develop an opcn Internet policy that maximizes innovation and invcstment throughout the
broadband economy, both in broadband networks and in the content, applications. services, and
devices that rely on those networks. These efforts culminated in light-touch rules ofthe road that
preserve Internet freedom and openness, increase certainty in the marketplace, and ensure that
broadband providers can reasonably manage their networks and innovate with respect to
technology and business practiccs. I am confident that their implementation is benefitting the
nation, as evidenced by the billions ofdollars in private investment both in broadband networks
and applications in the U.S. in the wake ofour Open Internet Order.
445 12TH STREET S.W. WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554 • 202-418-1000
Page2-The Honorable Dean Ileller
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further
assistance.
Sincerely,
•
Julius Genachowski