2011·Jul·29 03:51 PM Senator Sherrod Brown 2022286702
6HERROD BROWN
01-110
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AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION,
ANO FORESTRY
APPROPRIATIONS
BANKING. HOUSING,
ANO URBAN AFFAIRS
VETERANS' AFfAIRS
SELECT CQMMmEE ON ETHICS
The Honorable Julius Genachowski
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Streer, SW
Washington, District ofColumbia 20554
Dear Chairman Genachowski:
WASHINGTON, DC 20510
July 29, 2011
I am writing regarding i·wireless, a pre·paid wireless service provider based in greater Cincinnati, OH.
The products offered by i·wireless can be obrained at the retail locations ofthe Kroger Co., i·wireless's
parent company. As you may know, Kroger is the sixth largest employer in the nation, with locations
across the United Srates.
Recently, i-wireless has begun an effort to provide Lifeline service to consumers in Ohio and across the
country. From my understanding, i·wireless submitted an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC)
Compliance Plan to the Federal Communications Commission in July of2010. As ofthis writing, over
one year later, the i-wireless Compliance Plan remains pending.
The FCC staffraised some initial questions with respect to this filing. However, I understand that
i·wireless has addressed these concerns and agreed to abide by any and all Commission requirements.
also understand that the FCC has previously approved similar Compliance Plans for other cmiers,
including carriers who are not headquartered in the United States.
As you know, many consumers no longer use landline telephones and rely on mobile phones to look for
jobs, to keep track offamily members, and to request emergency services. I am concerned that this
regulatory delay is preventing i-wireless from offering competitive choice in the Lifeline market. In
many instances, the only cunent option for customers is to obtain service from foreign carriers.
Not only is the FCC inaction on the i-wireless Compliance Plan hUlting consumers, but the delay is also
causing economic harm to i-wireless and the Kroger Company. As the United States attempts to emerge
from a recession, this regulatory lag is serving as an impediment to employment growth and investment
in Ohio and across the nation.
If my understanding ofthe facts is coneet, I hope that the FCC will give its attention and approval to the
i-wireless Compliance Plan. Ifincorrect, I would appreciate your sharing with me the reasons why the
i-wireless Compliance Plan differs from those ofpreviously·approved carriers.
Sincerely,
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Shen'Od Brown
"'UNTIl) ON lIiCVND'N'P
2011·Jul·29 03:51 PM Senator Sherrod Brown 2022286702
Fax Cover Sheet
Senator Shenod Brown
713 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: (202) 224-2315
Fax: (202) 228-6321
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